Negotiations Continue on Madison Central Library Project

LINK

Soglin gives hope of compromise on Central Library. (Wisconsin State Journal, 4/26/2011)

Excerpt: As he took office last week, Mayor Paul Soglin created uncertainty by requiring guarantees on $8 million in private fundraising and $4 million in federal tax credits before going to bid.

But after meeting with library officials and the architect on Tuesday, Soglin said there may be alternatives to move forward.

“We’re looking at some options that meet my requirement that we do not go to bid without sufficient funding and at the same time allow us to go out to bid this fall,” he said after the meeting.

The mayor declined to reveal details, but said that the nonprofit Madison Public Library Foundation, which is leading the fundraising effort, is refining options and that the parties will meet again on Friday.

“I think we made progress in our conversations on Tuesday,” said foundation executive director Jenni Collins, who also declined to share specifics. “We’re optimistic this public-private partnership will continue to be a fruitful one.”

All along, Soglin has said there may be ways to proceed on schedule, such as getting letters of credit on pledges, but that he won’t put the city at risk of having to cover a financing gap.

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Latest design review.  (4/8/2011)
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New Madison Central Library Wins Council Approval. (11/11/2009)Capital Times Endorses New Madison Central Library. (11/10/2009)
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More Questions About Madison Central Library Project. (11/1/2009)
New Madison Public Library's First Change Order: Rooftop Garden.
(10/28/2009)
Call for Referendum on New Madison Central Library Not Attracting Support. (10/21/2009)
Madison Board of Estimates Rejects Library Referendum. (10/13/2009)
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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)
Renovation Plan Put on Table for Madison Central Library. (3/26/2009)
Residents Critique Proposals to Rebuild Downtown Library. (1/9/2009)
Competing Developers Defend Their Central Library Plans. (1/8/2009)
Comparison of Downtown Madison Library Proposals. (12/17/2008)
Two Proposals for New Madison Central Library. (12/3/2008)
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