With the design work complete on the planned $19 million downtown library branch, library officials say the project is now moving into the construction documents phase, which will culminate with a public bid on construction by the middle of next year.
“Depending on how long those processes take, construction might begin in late 2015 and take about two years to complete,” reads a news release from the library system.
The new library, which is to measure about 50,000 square feet, will be built on the site of the existing downtown branch on St. Louis Street, near City Hall. Library officials say they’re looking into the possibility of operating a temporary “storefront” branch library at a separate downtown location to provide services while the current facility is demolished.
The long-planned and often-delayed downtown library branch received Metro Council approval back in 2010. WHLC Architecture, in collaboration with Boston-based Schwartz/Silver, recently completed designs for the branch and presented them to the library board. The new library is to feature a technology lab and recording studio, as well as tech-oriented conference and meeting rooms, a 3-D printing area, a rooftop terrace and a ground-floor plaza that opens to North Boulevard Town Square. See schematic designs and a rendering of the library.
