Politics & Government

Downers Grove Library Board to Hear Plans for $2.4 Million Renovation

The public is invited to view schematic designs for an interior renovation during the library board's meeting Wednesday night.

The Downers Grove Public Library Board on Wednesday will hear plans for a proposed $2.4 million interior renovation project.

Plans will be presented during the board's monthly business meeting, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in the library meeting room, 1050 Curtiss St.

The Chicago-based firm Product Architecture and Design will make the presentation, which will define the scope and character of the project, as well as initial cost estimates, according to library spokesperson Melissa Doornbos.

There will be opportunity for public comment before the board votes on the schematic design and whether architects can proceed with design development.

The Downers Grove Public Library has been located at 1050 Curtiss St. since 1891, occupying four separate facilities over the past 100 years. Its current building—a 67,700-square-foot, two-story structure—was built in 1999.

Officials said the renovation is part of the library's strategic plan, passed in June 2012, which focuses on making the library an attractive destination. The improvements are expected to be primarily cosmetic.

The project will likely include upgrades to the building's entrances, flooring, paint, service desks, bathrooms and lighting. Officials also hope to install self-checkout stations and make improvements to the teen and children's areas.

According to the latest project report issued by the library, the renovations will "make the building and its contents an attractive destination for the community," and will "improve visibility and traffic flow throughout the building."

Find out what's happening in Downers Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The library board has budgeted $2,394,000 for the project. No new property tax revenue will be sought, Doornbos said.

The project is scheduled to go out to bid in late October, with construction beginning in February. The library will remain open during the renovation, which is scheduled to be completed by the fall of 2014.

Find out what's happening in Downers Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

For more information on the project, visit www.dglibrary.org/renovation.php


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