Madison, WI, Council Approves $37 Million Central Library
Mayor says low construction, borrowing costs make it time to build
Norman Oder -- Library Journal, 11/13/2009
- 10,000 square feet larger but much more public space
- 45-year-old Central needs full revamp
- New library could open in 2012
Wh
ile many libraries are cutting back on their operating budgets, the city of Madison, WI, is moving ahead on a $37 million new Central Library for the Madison Public Library. The Common Council on Tuesday passed the capital budget, which anticipates $17 million in borrowing, $6 million in federal tax credits (set to expire next year), $4 million from the sale of the existing library site and $10 million in private contributions ($5 million per year).
The 45-year-old current Central Library needs replacements for costly mechanical systems, including the roof, elevators, front doors, HVAC system, and security system. The building is not designed for computers, and it is cramped, with 40% of the collection in storage.
The new library, a six-floor, 105,000-square-foot standalone structure, would be only 10,000 square feet larger than its predecessor, but it would have a much larger percentage of accessible public space, allowing for flexibility in programming.
Mayor's encouragement
Mayor Dave Cieslewicz explained on his blog that "we're getting some of the best construction bids in history right now" and "we're borrowing at some of the lowest interest rates in recent history." He added that the city needs the construction jobs.
Most importantly, he wrote, "Finally, the decision we make now will be one we have to live with for 50 to 100 years, which should be the life of this building. It would be a mistake to make a short-run decision based on today's headlines only to regret it when we look at it in the light of better times."
Larger development
The library would be part of a much larger new development. The Wisconsin State Journal reported that a second phase would include a 380,000-square-foot mixed-use project slated for an upscale hotel, retail space, and 425 parking spaces. Construction of the new library could begin next year, with an opening in 2012.
