The Albany Public Library is rapidly moving ahead on new branch construction and renovation plans.
The most recent public meetings on the Arbor Hill/West Hill and New Scotland Branches, were well attended with residents hearing about the design process and timeline from Tim Burke, Interim Library Director, and a review of project goals and ideas from Kevin Hom of Hom + Goldman Architects (H + G). Participants’ feedback on the proposed designs included the desire for large community space, the need for an adequate number of computers, and the importance of outdoor green space, which not only improves a branch’s aesthetics but also provides a place for the neighbors to gather. “We’re thrilled that the neighborhoods responded so favorably to the architects Hom + Goldman. We here at the library are as excited to see the new plans as the neighborhoods” said Dennis Gaffney, Library Trustee and Chair of the Design Review Committee.
H + G was chosen to design the new buildings for the Arbor Hill/West Hill and the New Scotland neighborhoods. The architectural firm of Collins + Scoville was selected to do the design work for renovations to the Delaware, Howe, and Pine Hills branches.
Throughout the fall, the Design Review Committee, which is made up of APL Trustees and representatives from the Library staff met weekly to review schematic drawings on all five branches. As a result, renovation designs have now reached the 60% completion milestone while new construction designs have reached the 30% milestone. At this point, some interesting branch features are beginning to emerge, such as an outdoor reading space at Delaware, an addition to Howe that will provide handicapped access, and skylights at Pine Hills. “With all the thoughtful input from the public and from the Design Review Committee, these design really reflect what the community wants and deserves for great neighborhood libraries.” Says Tim Burke.
Renovations on the Delaware, Howe and Pine Hills branches are expected to begin at the end of April 2008 with those branches scheduled to reopen in April of 2009. The new construction for the Arbor Hill/West Hill and New Scotland branches is to begin at the end of August 2008 and those buildings are expected to be completed early in 2010.
A new round of public meetings has been scheduled December.
Share your ideas or concerns about the Branch Improvement Plan by contacting Interim Director Tim Burke at 427-4379 or burket@uhls.lib.ny.us.
Public Meetings
Draft Floor Plans and Draft Site Plans
Press Releases
Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact
Board Resolution on Negative Declaration