Final Design for Renovated Madison Central Library Unveiled

Madison Public Library

Link to December 8 Wisconsin State Journal article.

Excerpt: The plan, which still may undergo changes before construction begins next fall, includes 118,500 square feet on three floors, a 20 percent increase from the current layout. Though two-thirds of the outside walls will be retained, the new exterior will have three times as much glass and new energy-efficient windows.

Inside, ceilings will be raised, shelves will be shortened, and an expanded children's library, interactive multimedia stations and a 250-seat meeting room will be added. The design leaves space for a possible coffee shop and a rooftop garden, though the latter feature is not included in the current cost estimate.

Jane Anne Morris, a co-founder of the Downtown Community Gardens group who attended a public presentation of the design Tuesday night, said she appreciated architects being flexible and looking decades ahead as they designed the library. She asked that architects try to preserve sections of the roof for a community garden and said she hopes officials eventually embrace food production on rooftops.

Related articles:
Designing a new central library:  "Everyone has to feel comfortable and safe here".  (11/17/2010)
Interview with principal architect of Central Library project.  (11/5/2010)
Conceptual designs for new Central Library.  (10/25/2010)
One possible messsage:  Don't settle for less.  (8/5/2010)
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Architectural firm selected for Madison Central project.  (5/26/2010)
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Council vote on library goes under the radar.  (5/8/2010)
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Board Endorses Renovation Plan.  (4/6/2010)
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New Madison Public Library's First Change Order: Rooftop Garden.
(10/28/2009)
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Wisconsin State Journal Editorial on New Madison Central Library. (9/13/2009)
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Visualizing a Remodeled Madison Central Library. (4/4/2009)
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