The Albany Public Library is rapidly moving ahead on new branch construction and renovation plans. Based on the recommendations of the Design Review Committee, the Board of Trustees at its May board meeting approved the 100% design submissions from the Architectural firm of CSArch for the three renovation projects in the Branch Improvement Plan: the Pine Hills, John A. Howe, and Delaware Branches. Construction will begin in August and be completed in August of 2009.
The Pine Hills Branch will almost double in size when it utilizes the second floor of the existing building. Natural light will be provided by the addition of a skylight. The John A. Howe Branch will be rehabilitated and will have an addition in the rear for accessibility. The new Delaware Branch will be in a renovated building on Delaware Avenue that will also feature skylights and a roomy parking lot.
At the June 10 Board meeting the Board approved the 60% design submissions for the Arbor Hill/West Hill Branch on Henry Johnson Blvd. and the John J. Bach Branch on New Scotland Avenue. Designed by architectural firm of Hom and Goldman, these libraries are scheduled to begin construction in September, and be completed in November of 2009.
Interim Director Tim Burke said, "It’s exciting to know that we are creating a library system that will serve the community’s needs far into the future, a system that the citizens of Albany and their children and grandchildren will be proud of."
The Board of Trustee’s Design Review Committee is working closely with the architecture firms and the project manager, the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY), to ensure that the Branch Improvement Plan will be finished on time and on budget. This Committee, comprised of APL Trustees and staff, has been charged with the detailed oversight of the design process. They meet frequently with the architects to discuss interior and exterior designs of the new branches, reporting back to the full Board of Trustees at regular intervals. They are committed to making sure that each building will be able to offer users the best possible public library experience.
Trustee Dennis Gaffney, Chair of the Design Review Committee said, "We have received a lot of thoughtful input from the public throughout this design process and we feel that these designs really reflect what the community wants and deserves for great neighborhood libraries."
Questions and comments are always welcome by contacting Tim Burke, Interim Library Director, 518-427-4379, or burket@uhls.lib.ny.us.
Draft Floor Plans and Draft Site Plans
Press Releases
Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact
Board Resolution on Negative Declaration