Check It Out

Progress on a New South Madison Branch Library

April 7th, 2008 Barb D.

The official Request For Proposal for an architect for the build-out of the new South Madison Library closes shortly and we expect planning for the Library, as part of a new building also housing the Urban League and Planned Parenthood, to begin soon. During a recent public meeting about the second phase, involving redevelopment of the current Atrium space, questions arose as to why the Library will be located in a building on Park Street, separate from the main Villager tenants.

All along, we believed the Southside needed and, more importantly, warranted a new state-of-the-art South Madison Branch Library. It was time that the Southside had its turn at a new facility – it deserved better than a rehabbed space in the new Villager. For a whole range of programmatic, operational and aesthetic reasons, including the fact that we will pursue LEED certification for a new green building, locating the Library on the first floor of a new mixed-use space on Park Street proved to be the best option available – for both the library and the community.

This prominent Park Street library location makes a statement about the City’s commitment to the community – at the same time, it provides convenient access for people in the neighborhood and a welcoming presence off the Beltline as part and parcel of a new Park Street corridor, and invites users from the surrounding region to visit this community-supported destination.

The actual Library entrance will not access directly off Park Street; instead, it will most likely be oriented toward the prominent Atrium entrance, providing easy and safe back-and-forth access for people using both buildings. Other concerns about user safety and traffic noise, expressed at the recent public meeting, will be addressed during the design phase. Also, as planning and development proceed, the Library and its architects will be seeking regular input from people in the neighborhoods, in the form of both community meetings and individual suggestions, for this much-needed new South Madison Branch Library.

Entry Filed under: Community Issues, Director's Take, South Madison Branch