An important milestone toward construction of new and renovated library branches has been realized with the selection of architects for the first five capital projects as part of The Indianapolis Public Library’s long-range plan through 2020.
The Library Board of Trustees approved individual contracts for architectural design services with AXIS Architecture + Interiors of Indianapolis for the $5.9 million Brightwood Branch (new branch) project; Browning Day Mullins Dierdorf of Indianapolis for the $7.6 million Eagle Branch (new branch) project; Mohler Architects of Lafayette, Indiana for the $2.4 million East Washington Branch expansion and renovation project; arcDesign of Indianapolis for the $1 million Southport Branch renovation project; and HCO, Inc. of Indianapolis for the $1 million Warren Branch renovation project.
Several projects will include sub-contracted consultants who will assist architects in neighborhood engagement and specific library planning.
The Library’s new Strategic Plan, approved in 2014 following a citizen-led process of community assessment and research, focuses on improving access by reducing large geographical gaps in service as well as eliminating the leasing of Library facilities. A number of renovations in older branches, many of which were constructed in the 1970s, will better equip them with modern technology and provide more space to help job seekers, educators, businesses and diverse populations.
This first series of capital projects will begin with the renovation of the Southport, Warren and East Washington branches, scheduled for completion by the end of 2016. Site selection for the new Brightwood and Eagle branches is underway, with construction scheduled to begin in late 2016. Six other projects involving new branches for Perry Township, Michigan Road, the City of Lawrence and the Glendale area, along with renovations at the Wayne and Lawrence branches, are scheduled for completion between 2019 and 2022.
Capital projects are funded from individual bonds approved by the Indianapolis City-Council Council totaling over $58 million that will be assessed without any increase in the Library’s current debt service tax rate.
For more information about the Library’s capital projects plan, visit indypl.org.
