On Thursday, Sept. 9, Manitou Springs’ journey to a more inclusive, modern Carnegie Library took a giant step forward.
Architect Eric Grebliunas presented a proposed design for the library’s expansion, incorporating input from the community, City Council, the Historic Preservation Commission and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
“We heard a lot of really positive things the first time around about all three of the different designs and options, and the option you’re going to see is going to try to cherish and capture those. So hopefully, the things that you liked about the previous options have all been kind of combined together in a manner that successful,” said Grebliunas, who works for the RATIO architectural firm in Denver.
The latest iteration seems to check off all the concerns expressed at the June 29 feedback session.
Is the addition too large? It’s been reduced from 3,600 square feet to 3,225 square feet and now, to 2,950 square feet.
“I was a little disappointed to see that the square footage had been reduced, but I think that the Pikes Peak Library District was willing to come to the table and be creative in reaching a compromise that worked,” said Laura Ettinger-Harwell of the Preserve and Renew Our Carnegie Library Task Force.
“I fervently hope that there is no more reduction in the size of the addition, despite the decidedly minority feedback during the presentation.”
Want the historic building to still be visible from Manitou Avenue? The proposal for an addition jutting out from below the north-facing façade has been discarded.
Instead, the addition is being planned for the existing building’s west side.
Don’t want to lose any of the library park and sledding hill? The addition’s north-facing wall will be set back from the existing façade to minimize the amount of space lost.
“From the beginning, the value of all aspects of our park on which the library resides was of utmost importance. Please remember that the task force is made up of community members and we also share the same values regarding this park,” said Rob Danin of the task force.
“A major reason the new library addition is being dug into the hillside is to preserve as much green space as possible. In other words, the amenities the library park has had over the years will still be there.”
The latest proposal includes a deck for multiple uses, which received the most praise during the previous forum, Danin said. It will be easily accessible from the south at ground level and from the community room on the upper level, while providing space for greenery, benches, concert performers and classes from the elementary school.
Concerned that adding parking spaces would reduce the park area?
Grebliunas included one handicap parking space in this design, which meets code requirements. However, there’s space for additional handicap spaces if needed.
Overall, this design answers the concern that the original building would no longer be the site’s centerpiece.
Danin said that this has been a critical consideration throughout the process. That’s why the expansion is set back further, isn’t as tall and will better match the original building’s exterior design.
“What we’ve heard from the community is that you really want something that respects and complements the Carnegie,” Grebliunas said.
“I think this was addressed especially well and preserves the Carnegie as the heart of Manitou,” Ettinger-Harwell said.
She and Danin praised the architect and his firm for their responsiveness to community concerns.
“RATIO has done a superb job of listening to the many points of view from the very beginning of the library design process,” Danin said.
Ettinger-Harwell called Grebliunas “very engaging and diplomatic.”
Grebliunas also emphasized that he designed the addition so it will have the flexibility to respond to the community’s needs for decades to come.
Michael Doherty, manager of the PPLD’s western region, also spoke during the presentation to explain the library district’s participation in the design and the reasoning behind some decisions, such as the space needed for bookshelves, seating, etc.
“The 21st century library is about building community connections and relationships. I like the rooftop because of that possibility of having programs and meeting space, as well as the meeting room. The flexible design inside speaks to what I think is really important in terms of libraries today and in the future,” Doherty said.
As mentioned before in the Bulletin, the city owns the building, while the PPLD owns its assets. The staff, books and public-use computers are temporarily housed at the Manitou Art Center.
Doherty said that, most likely, the library will continue its partnership with the MAC even after moving its operations to the renovated building.
To see the presentation, go to www.manitouspringsgov.com/633/_Carnegie-Library. To submit feedback, email carnegielibrary@manitouspringsco.gov.