Existing School Building

Cambridge City Public Library Study2007-2009

Cambridge City Public Library Study

Existing Library

The current Cambridge City Public Library [CCPL] is landlocked and prevented from expansion in all directions. What little room exists for on-site expansion would not provide for future needs in a cost effective manner.

Compared to cities with similar population, CCPL is smaller than average.

Compared to libraries in similar-sized communities, CCPL is below average in book holdings with no way to expand its collection.

In spite of limited space and collection, the library collection is well-used and has above average circulation compared to the peer library group.

Even with a severe shortage of program space, CCPL has more than twice the program attendance compared to peer libraries. This could be attributed to a very dedicated staff, which could do much more with adequate suitable program space.

CCPL library expenditures per capita are below average compared to peer communities.

Cambridge City Public Library Study

Based on national public library planning standards, staff and community interviews, steering group input and needs analysis for the next twenty years, CCPL will need about twice as much space as it currently has to serve the

Circulation Children’s Computer Area (4)

currently has to serve the changing needs of the community.

Stairs/

Cambridge City Public Library Study

Existing School Building

•12,000 s.f.•$200/s.f.•$2.4 million building construction cost•Associated costs (soft costs) approximately 25% of total project costs•$3.2 million project cost

Typical New Library Construction

•$3.2 million project cost•Does not include land purchase or existing building demolition, which may be offset by sale of current building

The steering committee was very interested in determining if the old Central School could be renovated for use as the new library.

Cambridge City Public Library Study

Existing School Building

Western Elevation

Eastern Elevation

Cambridge City Public Library Study

Existing School BuildingA study was conducted to see how a library program may fit into the existing school building. Because of considerable differential in floor height from front of school to stage area and from stage area to gym, this concept brought the lower two areas up to the same elevation as the front and provided an elevator to utilize the upper level.

popular materials, reference, computer

Whitewater River FloodwayUnfortunately, the site is located in a floodway. Location in a flood zone creates significant and costly issues, especially for a public project. The study team ordered an additional study to determine whether the floodway designation might be changed with more detailed hydrology mapping. It was determined this was not the case. This property was dropped from consideration as the new location for the library.

As the exploration for a site continued, the steering committee looked at this former car dealership at the west end of town on Highway 40 which was for sale.

Approximate 3-foot elevation change between former showroom and service portions of the building’s north side.

The CCPL purchased the car dealership in 2008. During the process, environmental studies were conducted. The site met industrial but not residential standards. Remediation was undertaken and was successfully completed.

This concept plan shows how the needs identified by the feasibility study might fit into this existing structure with the lower level divisible from the upper level for after-hours meetings.

For the design concept, cues were taken from prominent railroad artifacts around town.

Conceptual image showing how the existing building might be re-wrapped in masonry for a more civic presence.

North elevation view of concept.

Estimated Project Costs $2,820,000

Project Funding Prior to Donations “worst case” tax impact

Estimated Monthly Tax Impactat maximum bond level

Cambridge City Public Library is moving forward.

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