July Construction Project Update

It is mid-July now and we are nearing the end of our initial design and engineering phase of the new library construction project. Library staff have been working diligently with our design and construction team over the past seven months, meeting semi-monthly to discuss the project and incorporate feedback, and regular updates have been presented to the Board of Trustees at their monthly meetings. The Library Board meets the second Wednesday of every month and the public is welcome and encouraged to attend.

In late March we completed the bond issuance process, and then in Spring we published our project timeline (see below) and hosted open sessions for public input on the design of the new building. Residents shared their thoughts on how the look and feel of the new library was developing. The design concepts are beginning to look more detailed and complete as we work to select the exact materials and finishes we want to use in the building. At the end of June, we started to review furniture options and select seating and tables to use throughout all the spaces of the new library. Our project has gone through one budget review and the next budget update is due in August.

Our architects and engineers have also been working closely with Village staff to prepare for the building plans to undergo zoning review. Part of this work has been to study our site plan to ensure there is enough space for emergency vehicles to maneuver around our site, and determine if any variances to village code will need to be requested. Per our anticipated timeline, we aim to have our plans submitted to the Planning and Zoning Commission by the end of summer.

Demolition is nearing completion at our future site on Maple Avenue. Once the site is cleared, the Library Board and Village Board will carry out the property transfer as outlined in our Land Swap Agreement. Once the property transfer is finalized, the Library will officially take ownership of the parcel at 233 E. Maple Avenue.

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