Motley Brown Not Reason Enough

Link to June 10 Capital Times article, "Madison must decide if rebuilding Central Library is too expensive".

Excerpt: It was nearly five years ago that Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz removed a $25 million renovation of Central Library from the 2005 capital budget, citing financial constraints and more pressing needs for branch libraries across the city. The project would have given the aging 1960s building at 201 W. Mifflin St. a major expansion -- adding 47,000 square feet with a third story and underground renovation -- as well as a makeover, putting in more windows for natural lighting and gray slate to cover its motley brown exterior.

Now, as the capital budget planning process for 2010 begins, Madison Public Library Board members are cautiously planning for an even bigger project: a $43 million rebuild that would move Madison's main library to a prominent location on the corner of West Washington Avenue and Henry Street, and erect an upscale hotel in its current location across from the Overture Center. And the economic times are far worse than they were five years ago.