Committee Selects Site for
New Minneapolis Public Library
The 10-member New Central Library Implementation Committee, comprised of city officials, business representatives, and library advocates, voted unanimously February 12 to build the new 400,000-square-foot, five-story Minneapolis Public Library on both the current library site and an adjacent block to the north. The recommendation, expected last month, was delayed because the committee had not reached a consensus.
The two-block design, presented by architects Cesar Pelli and Associates, includes a public commons and retail space. The committee also voted to include in the library block a new Minnesota Planetarium and Space Discovery Center, replacing the planetarium housed in the current library building. MPL Public Affairs spokesperson Anne Q. Ulseth told American Libraries that the library is pleased with the new design. She said that whether or not residential towers would be included in the north block is uncertain.
Library advocates favored building on the larger south block with a first-floor layout that equals 78,000 square feet, while Mayor R. T. Rybak favored the north location for its aesthetics, according to the February 12 Minneapolis Star Tribune.
The library board and city council Ways and Means Committee will now consider the proposal. The full city council is expected to take final action March 1. Meanwhile, the Central Library will temporarily close in August and reopen in November at a nearby interim location.
Posted February 18, 2002.
|
