Fort Atkinson Library Building Project Update

Foster Growth: Expansion and Renovation Project

Link to February 17 Daily Online article, "Fort advances bonds for library".

Excerpt: Built in 1916, the downtown library has undergone two additions: in 1931 and 1983. In the latter, architects at the time drew up a long-range plan that said the facility would outgrow the added space in 20 years.

Twenty-seven years later, the library is in need of more room to store its computers, CDs, videotapes, DVDs and other materials and equipment it did not own in the early 1980s.

Among other problems, available seating in the library is about half of what the state recommends, and some aisles and areas do not meet accessibility requirements set in the Americans with Disabilities Act. Uihlein Wilson Architect's proposal adds 10,000 square feet of space and updates infrastructure and the building in general.

During construction, the library materials and staff will be relocated temporarily to the lower level of the former Digi-Star building, located at the corner of Janesville and West Rockwell avenues. Uihlein Wilson anticipates commencing with the relocation on March 8. Construction is expected to begin on the library revamp in March, with completion in January 2011.

Link to bid results.

Related articles:

Fort Atkinson library to move to temporary quarters. (12/3/2009)

Dwight Foster Public Library: Micro-Donations Amount to Large Gift. (10/25/2009)

Dwight Foster Public Library Kicks Off Its Capital Campaign. (7/26/2009)

Recession Not Holding Back Fort Atkinson's Library Expansion Effort. (7/18/2009)

Fort Library Receives Substantial Donation. (4/29/2009)

Fort Atkinson Moves Ahead on Library Project. (3/19/2009)