Ann Arbor Board PutsNew Downtown Libraryon Hold
Norman Oder -- Library Journal, 12/12/2008
- New library approved in September
- Current building had been renovated twice
- No market for $71M in bonds as of now
On September 15, the board of the Ann Arbor District Library, MI, approved the construction of a $71 million new Downtown Library, at 160,000 square feet nearly 50% larger than the current building, at the same location. Some two months later, citing the difficulty in financing the project, the board put the plan on hold.
T
he building was to include a 400-seat auditorium; a quiet Reading Room; a children's area three times larger than the current one; expanded space for collections; adaptive technology labs; and much flexibility. It was to replace a building (left)first constructed in 1957, and expanded twice, in 1974 and 1991. “The scope of this project enables the use of modern, efficient building systems that will result in a more sustainable library,” wrote director Josie Parker in mid-September.
A month later, architect Carl Luckenbach, whose firm was to design a new building, responded to critics who thought a less costly renovation was better than a replacement. He told the newspaper that the succession of additions compromised the building, making it impossible or not economically feasible to do a renovation.
Economic reality hits home
However, on November 24, the library board voted to put the deal on indefinite hold. Trustee Edward Surovell told the Ann Arbor News, "Right now, there is not an adequate market for Michigan-based bonds.” The project also would have required a referendum on a millage increase, which had already prompted some pushback.
The newspaper editorialized on December 11, “At this point, we're not yet sold on the need for a new, replacement library at Fifth Avenue and William Street. Nor, however, are we convinced that a renovation is the better solution. And we suspect that many local residents are in the same spot…. We are convinced, however, that a vibrant library is vital to downtown and we hope residents will keep an open mind, when, or if, this project resurfaces.”
