Central Library's $50-million plan

Alex Ihnen · PostDec 10, 2007#762007-12-10T05:47+00:00

I wish we could get something like this: (Indianapolis)

Lots more here: [/img]http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a ... /312090001

By the way, if you want to read some angry reader comments that give the PD forums a run for their money, just check out what the Hoosiers think of their library! I guess it's true - familiarity breeds contempt.

moorlander · PostDec 05, 2008#772008-12-05T15:32+00:00

Friday, December 5, 2008

St. Louis Library seeks new chapterSt. Louis Business Journal - by Lisa R. Brown

While the Saint Louis Art Museum shelved its $125 million expansion and Brown Shoe checked out of its $568 million headquarters project — the main library downtown is booking a massive $70 million overhaul.

The City of St. Louis Municipal Library District board is looking for a new architect and has increased by 40 percent the estimated cost of the historic renovation project at 1301 Olive St..

http://stlouis.bizjournals.com/stlouis/ ... tory2.html

threeonefour · PostFeb 01, 2009#782009-02-01T04:23+00:00

It's been awhile since I've been inside the Central Library. Today I drove by and noticed all of the entryways at the top of the stairs facing Olive Street were gated, while at least a dozen bums congregated around an open door at the bottom of the west side of the staircase.

Are these entrances always gated? If so, I cannot think of a way to make our main library more uninviting.

And after reading the article Moorlander linked to above, I'm skeptical about the library expansion plans. Without the glass atrium, I fear we'll have a scaled-down, dumbed-down look. I was hoping for something bold and modern, so I hope we won't wind up with safe and sterile which seems to be the norm around here.

hathaway · PostFeb 02, 2009#792009-02-02T19:54+00:00

The library has been doing some work on the steps over the last few months. But, the stairs are closed off because of the snow and ice, a librarian there told me about an hour ago. It's all melted now, so I suspect it will re-open soon.

gopher · PostFeb 17, 2009#802009-02-17T19:00+00:00

The RFT is featuring the St. Louis Public Library for Cocktails for a Cause:

http://www.slplfoundation.org/SLPLFNews232780225.asp

Wed. Feb 18th 6-8pm at Jake's Steak on Laclede's Landing

debaliviere · PostJun 19, 2009#812009-06-19T12:58+00:00

According to the Business Journal, the plans are moving forward. Confluence Academy will lease the old Farm Credit building across the street, which the library owns.

gary kreie · PostJun 19, 2009#822009-06-19T21:10+00:00

Here is the link:

http://stlouis.bizjournals.com/stlouis/ ... tory1.html

shadrach · PostJun 20, 2009#832009-06-20T03:05+00:00

great news.

I wonder what the status is of the Carondelet and Cabanne branches. Central was supposed to be the last after all the branches were done. Carondelet was supposed to have been completed 2-3 years ago.

Is Central jumping ahead? Have plans been shelved for Carondelet?

any one know? Three one four?

framer · PostJun 20, 2009#842009-06-20T03:55+00:00

This is great, and the High School is a nice bonus.

Can someone dig up the latest renderings?

MattnSTL · PostJun 20, 2009#852009-06-20T16:12+00:00

The Carondelet branch renovation is ready to go, but still delayed. Not sure on the reason at this point. I will try to find out.

moorlander · PostJun 20, 2009#862009-06-20T16:39+00:00

The library has leased an underused office building across the street to Confluence Preparatory School. The charter high school will open to 200 students this fall and grow to 900 students within three years, adding new life on the western edge of the central business district.

Adding all those young adults to the area will really bring a lot of traffic to the neighborhood. Any convenience store/coffee shop near by should do well. 900 students is huge for a prep school.

matguy70 · PostJun 20, 2009#872009-06-20T18:57+00:00

EXCELLENT NEWS.

I don't think the plans have changed - see thread from beginning.

The school and office building news is wonderful too!

urbanpioneer · PostJun 20, 2009#882009-06-20T19:34+00:00

Downtown STL Fan wrote:Does anyone know who the architect is on this project?

Cannon... and the fact they are designing the building will guarantee us a great building. Glad this is moving forward.

framer · PostJun 21, 2009#892009-06-21T04:21+00:00

^Yep. I'm a fan of Cannon too. One of the few local firms doing quality contemporary work.

gopher · PostOct 08, 2009#902009-10-08T01:21+00:00

The Central Library is having a major fundraiser. This will most likely be their last formal event before they close for the multi-year, multi-million dollar renovation.

It's for a really good cause and it sounds like a lot of fun.

November 14, 2009

7:00 — 10:30 p.m.

Central Library

Details here:

http://www.librarystf.com/

newstl2020 · PostOct 08, 2009#912009-10-08T02:26+00:00

We all talk about trans formative projects downtown, like the Roberts Tower, Culinaria, and BPV (If...when...ever). This is completely along those lines in my mind. This should be a boon for the entire area. I am really looking forward to this one.

gopher · PostOct 08, 2009#922009-10-08T02:34+00:00

Yep, I'm not any kind of architectural connoisseur, but the first time I walked in the central library's main level, I was blown away.

I can't wait to see what the renovations will do, I have a feeling we're all gonna be stunned by this one.

framer · PostOct 08, 2009#932009-10-08T04:11+00:00

I didn't realize that the whole library would be shut down for the renovation. I figured they would just close the back part where they're adding the new atrium. This must be a much bigger deal than I realized.

Anyone know the scope of the work? What's the schedule?

gatechie · PostOct 09, 2009#942009-10-09T19:25+00:00

Think modernization of all systems in the building, you practically have to touch every surface in the place in one way or another. I hope that the new North entrance will be a great invitation for people to arrive from the Wash Ave side and linger in the park. Also, imagine this place being lit from the outside like the Mo history museum. It could be a real jewel in this part of town!

newstl2020 · PostOct 09, 2009#952009-10-09T19:29+00:00

^Exactly. Hopefully a redone and usable lucas park will be an inviting space to read directly outside the North entrance. How cool would that be?

bonwich · PostOct 09, 2009#962009-10-09T23:46+00:00

You suppose the City might actually put pedestrian crossing signals on all the corners with access to the library. I mean, I realize a minimal level of pedestrian safety -- especially all the children that are theoretically attracted to the library -- is antithetical to City philosophy, but we can always hope.

debaliviere · PostFeb 11, 2010#972010-02-11T18:56+00:00

St. Louis Public Library gets $4 million donation from Emerson Electric
By Jane Henderson
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
02/11/2010

ST. LOUIS -- Emerson Electric Co. has given $4 million toward the renovation of the St. Louis Public Library, officials announced Thursday. The donation is designated for a Locust Street Atrium at the back of the building.

The money, called a lead gift for the library’s capital campaign, was announced by Waller McGuire, executive director of the library, and St. Louis Mayor Francis G. Slay.

Link

hugh ferriss · PostApr 13, 2010#982010-04-13T03:25+00:00

It was announced today that the Central Library will close on June 14th so that work on the remodeling can commence:

Central Library to close June 14

Fortunately, it looks like most of the circulating materials normally held at the Central Library will still be obtainable on request through the branch libraries - I was concerned that they might simply put their collection in storage for a couple of years.

bikinʹ_man · PostApr 13, 2010#992010-04-13T13:44+00:00

i'm still bummed about the stacks. i still say it's the coolest little secrete in town.

framer · PostApr 14, 2010#1002010-04-14T05:09+00:00

^Yep. Glass floors rule.

Central Library's $50-million plan

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