City staff continue to work with SOM on the library project. The following progress has been made over the past month:

1. Design, community contribution and communication

2. Site Rating Updates

Analysis continues on underground environmental investigations as well as additional inspections of the existing facility for lead and asbestos. Analysis determined that no lead paint was present. Underground tests have identified soft soils at certain depths. This is valuable information to ensure footings and foundations are constructed appropriately.

3. Parking

The Town of Appleton hired Walker Consultants to help plan parking for the library. They will develop a parking plan for the library that will integrate resources available nearby, identify future parking needs, and provide a workable solution that supports public access to the library.

4. Interim library needs

Director Gazza began working with city departments and library staff to identify possible locations for the library to operate during the construction period. Staff began to plan for the transition to a smaller temporary space. The 2022 library operating budget includes temporary cuts mainly in the areas of supplies and services, as these will operate in a reduced fashion during construction.

5. Development of the College Avenue North neighborhood

The College Avenue North neighborhood plan began work in August. Community and Economic Development Manager Karen Harkness and Cory Scott of RDG, the planning firm on this process, presented to the library board and the Appleton Redevelopment Authority in September. RDG also organized two focus groups for library staff. They are in the process of scheduling another focus group for library stakeholders.

Stay up to date on the library project or sign up to receive email updates by visiting our construction project web page.

This press release was produced by Appleton Public Library. The opinions expressed here are those of the author.