Architects further refine library design

Less than 24 hours removed from hearing feedback on initial building plans, architects working on the new Galesburg Public Library design presented reformed plans Thursday to the public, who had some ideas for how to better connect the new building with Galesburgs past and future.

A series of four building layouts were shown to members of the librarys advisory committee Wednesday, and input on each of those drawings was taken into account in the refined version displayed Thursday. The interior of the building remained largely unchanged, while much of the discussion Thursday focused on the exterior design.

Initial comments from the advisory committee led architects from the Iowa firm FEH and Associates to draw a pitched roof for the building, a concept that was rejected by the crowd gathered Thursday. A highly pronounced roof looked too much like a dormitory, City Council member Corine Andersen said, and it could lead to less natural light on the librarys second floor.

The crowd had a bigger complaint with the north end of the building, which will be visible from Main Street and from the West Main Street overpass. The current drawing was heavy on brick and stone, with small windows opening up the design, giving the building a classic, academic look. Residents wanted more glass, like what was drawn for the south end of the building that will serve as the main entrance. Perhaps open up the entire length of the 300-foot building to glass, except for near the east and west ends, to bring a more inviting feel to the building, residents said.

Architects said the idea for the more enclosed front came from meetings with the citys Landmark Commission, who wished for a more historic look to the building that they thought would better blend in with downtown. But the idea isnt to blend in, its to connect that history of downtown buildings with a more modern future.

Does it participate in envisioning a town with a future? Knox Art Department Chairman Mark Holmes asked of the building design. A library, which is right at the very core of the civic life, needs to play that role. This starts to get there. It embodies a sense of connectedness across time.

The point of putting the new library at the corner of Main and Academy streets is so the new building can usher in a revitalized downtown Galesburg, library Director Harriett Zipfel said.

This building can foster that redevelopment, architect Greg Baum said.

The building will be 300 feet, which gives architects room for some green space on the corner of Main and Academy. A 140-space parking lot will be behind the building, and will open up onto Simmons Street. The interior of the building will include a cafe, Friends of the Library book store, terrace seating, childrens patio and 225-capacity meeting room.

Before the presentation of the most recent building renderings, a meeting of the library board was held so board members could authorize a contract with the projects construction manager and OK a bid for an environmental survey of the property. Both pieces, as well as initial design features, need to be in place for the board to qualify for a state grant that could cover three-fourths of the $15 million project. The grant deadline is April 15.

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Architects further refine library design