Appleton considers $175,000 in security improvements to public library yet this year. Appleton Post Crescent, 7/16/2019)
City officials have recommended proceeding with $175,000 in security improvements at the Appleton Public Library now that the prospect of a new library is at least three years away.Appleton's mixed-use library project promises shared costs, added tax base. (Appleton Post Crescent, 2/8/2019)
The proposal to construct a new $30 million public library as part of a larger private downtown development is designed to share construction costs and add to the city's tax base.
If the 120,000-square-foot library were built as a stand-alone project, it wouldn't be a taxable property, and it wouldn't satisfy the city's desire for more downtown housing.
As proposed, the city would pay for costs related to the public library, and a private developer — Commercial Horizons — would pay for costs related to the residential, office, retail and restaurant spaces.Referendum for direct legislation on Appleton library would require 4,900 signatures. (Appleton Post Crescent, 2/1/2019)
In November 2014 and again in June 2015, the council rejected a resolution to hold an advisory referendum on the library, which then was envisioned on a downtown bluff site, whereas the latest plan puts it in place of the Soldiers Square parking ramp. Both votes were 9 to 5.Now what? Effort to build new Appleton library has been 10 years in the making. (Appleton Post Crescent, 10/4/2018)
The latest proposal, for a $30 million library to be built in the heart of the city's downtown as part of a mixed-use development, is front and center for city officials.
The community appears divided on the project — some concerned the city would place unnecessary financial burden on taxpayers and/or cause new traffic and parking headaches in the downtown and others eager for a new, modern facility to strengthen downtown and be a gathering place for the city.
The proposed new library would be a mixed-use development, including about 96 apartments and retail space in the same facility. It would be built as part of a larger, multi-site development that would include more than 300 nearby living spaces. Occurring in phases, the overall development would add an estimated $66 million in tax base.
10/5/2018 update starts here.
City committees, public get first look at Appleton library proposal. (Appleton Post Crescent, 2/26/2018)
Appleton looks to contract with developer to do design work on proposed library project. (Appleton Post Crescent, 8/7/2018)
Appleton library contract on hold as council refers it back to Finance Committee. (Appleton Post Crescent, 8/16/2018)
Appleton Public Library to launch new digital music library promoting local musicians. (Appleton Post Crescent, 9/19/2018)
Madison Public Library. (10/5/2018)
Milwaukee Public Library. (10/5/2018)
Brown County Public Library. (10/5/2018)
Waukesha Public Library. (10/5/2018)
10/30/2017 update starts here.
Appleton Public Library in the news:
Could public library still be part of Appleton bluff site? It's possible. (7/13/2017)
Mixed-use option in play for Appleton library. (Appleton Post-Crescent, 6/13/2017)
8/12/2016 update starts here.
Source: Wisconsin Public Library Service Data (2015 preliminary)
Recent APL news:
Appleton considers mixed-use library. (Appleton Post-Crescent, 5/17/2016)
A “mixed-use” facility would involve a library and another development — such as a community center, housing, retail or commercial space — being housed in the same building.
Editorial: Mixed-use library is great, but it'll take work. (Appleton Post-Crescent, 5/20/2016)
The idea of a mixed-use library building is not unprecedented. Portland, Oregon, has a library branch with housing on the upper floors. Milwaukee is trying out the concept with its branch libraries, too. Closer to home in Kaukauna, the library is renting a floor of the Eagle Mill project and the result has been well-received. It all seems to be a good fit — apartments and libraries especially would make great neighbors.
Original 7/27/2015 post starts here.
Statistics found at Wisconsin Public Library Service Data: 1996 - Preliminary 2014.
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