Warsaw public library renovations projected pricetag $17M; Second hearing next month
This post was provided by News Now Warsaw
By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — The Warsaw Community Public Library took the first step toward approving a bond proposal to finance $17 million in renovations.
On Monday, the library board held the first of two hearings on the plan and heard from the architect and finance counsel about the details.
Officials estimate 60 percent of the construction cost is needed to replace much of the building’s aging internal guts — a wide range of infrastructure that includes the need for new heating and cooling, roofing, and electrical.
The last major renovation was nearly 30 years ago, and much of the machinery and controls have exceeded their lifetime expectancy.
Another large portion of the plan — estimated to be about 20 percent — will involve redesigning the main entrance for better access and safety.
The building’s lack of adequate access for those in wheelchairs, and a beautiful but complicated entrance that includes a curving stairway and a small elevator — are two of the biggest sore points in the building’s design.
The overall change would greatly improve wheelchair access and provide a straight sightline from the front desk to the entrance.
Another hearing is set for Nov. 17, and then the Warsaw City Council will weigh in on the proposal.
The library tax rate would rise by about four dollars per month for homeowners with an average-sized house.
Payments on the project would be spread over 19 years, according to paperwork from Bakertilly.
The hearing attracted very few people, and nobody openly objected to the plan.
Chris Merrill, who chairs the library board, said it’s been a long process with plenty to consider.
The board initially looked at building a new facility elsewhere, but there was a strong desire to keep it downtown at the existing Carnegie Library.
“And we’ve finally come to the point where we can start to (show) the public … what we would like to do and then finally take it to the common council, to get financing. And then off we go,” Merrill said.
Library Director Heather Barron said the meeting in November is a good opportunity to understand aspects of the plan.
“It is open to the public for anyone who would like a better understanding of why we are seeking this,” Barron said. “Again, it’s infrastructure, accessibility and safety, which is why we need this renovation. It has also been 30 years. So it is definitely time.”
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