The Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) is looking at putting a new, larger Northside branch into a mixed-use development on the same site. Hoping to take advantage of its location between the Short North and the OSU campus, the library has selected the Pizzuti Companies to develop concepts for the branch, which sits at 1423 North High Street.
Gregg Dodd, marketing director for the library, explains that the project is part of what they are calling their aspirational building program – seven new branch buildings and three branch renovations planned in the next four years that are meant to create “points of community pride” throughout the metropolitan area.
“We want to be the third place, where people spend their time when they are not at home and not working,” says Dodd, adding that the goal is for the new libraries to be outward-facing and well-integrated into their respective neighborhoods.
The wish-list for the Northside project includes a much larger footprint for the library (an increase from 7,700 to 27,000 square feet), on-site parking, a highly-visible presence on High and a secondary use that complements the library, which would occupy the first floor.
“This is (a) project that will take advantage of our strong presence on High Street, while at the same time allowing us to be responsible stewards of tax dollars,” said Patrick Losinski, CEO of CML. “With a mixed-use approach, a new Northside Branch could be a community centerpiece that goes beyond what the library could accomplish on its own.”
Pizzuti, working with NBBJ and Pepper Construction, hopes to have preliminary designs and cost estimates to present to the library within the next six months, if not sooner. The target for groundbreaking is the end of this year, which would allow for an early 2015 opening.
More information can be found at www.columbuslibrary.org/locations/Northside.
Photo via Columbus Metropolitan Library.