Library unveils schematic design for its new site
Date: 2/22/2013
By Carley Dangona
carley@thereminder.comWEST SPRINGFIELD — At a press conference on Feb. 19, the schematic design for the renovation of the West Springfield Public Library (WSPL) was unveiled; and efforts to collect the nearly $2 million dollars needed to complete the project began.
Curtis Edgin of Caolo & Bieniek Associates Inc. and Chad Floyd of Centerbrook Architects and Planners, the design team for the project, presented the first look at the plans to add approximately 15,000 square-feet of space to the current location of the library. Two additions will be added, a single-story and a two-story, in addition to the restoration of the existing Carnegie Wing.
Edgin referred to the 1916 Carnegie Wing of the library as "a gem" and informed attendees that the wing will be preserved. He stated that the design would double the size of the current children's area, double the number of computers available for public use and establish a community meeting room that seats 150, complete with its own bathroom facility.
Other enhancements include a gallery space, conference room, local history space, a computer learning room, and quiet study spaces. The plan includes the creation of two greenways, one that will run from Van Deene Avenue to the library, and another that will run from the Town Hall to the library, intersecting with the first at the library entrance.
Both Edgin and Floyd stressed the importance of a single entry into the building, accessible from Park Street.
"A single point of entrance is very important to the functioning of the library," Floyd said. "The entrance will be covered by a porch and will open into a large vestibule."
Edgin stated, "Everyone will come and go from one single location," adding that the circulation desk will be visible upon entrance to the building for the convenience and safety of staff and patrons alike.
According to Sharon Scott, chair of the Library Board of Trustees, the Park Street entrance would not be possible if Westfield Savings Bank had not donated a part of its abutting property to the library to create a shared driveway.
Toni Golinski-Foisy, WSPL director, confirmed that the new design would discontinue access to the library from the fire station on Van Deene Avenue. She also noted that the historic beech and oak trees on the property would be preserved.
During the question and answer period, Floyd addressed concerns of aesthetic cohesion. He explained that to be eligible for state funding, the design must adhere to the federal guidelines of the Secretary of the Interior, which clearly state that distinction must be made between historical and additional parts of buildings. The newer portions are not allowed to mimic or echo the historic features of the previous structures.
"We want the design [of the additions] to be harmonious, flatter and illuminate the historical content, respect historical details. The new building would be a backdrop to historical building, pay homage to it — a harmonious relationship of old and new. We don't want to make the new building a dim recollection of the old," Floyd stated.
Kate Harrington, chair of the WSPL "West Side Story" capital campaign steering committee, said, "The completed design is huge step in the process, but there is much more work to do $2 million more is needed to make this project a reality."
Edgin said, "This is a very long process — we're not done. We've made a great effort to date."
Matthew Blumenfeld, campaign manager for the project, quoted Andrew Carnegie, a 19th century industrialist who donated millions of dollars to library building across the country. "A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people. It is a never failing spring in the desert."
Blumenfeld added, "The design succeeds in respecting the past, acknowledging the needs of the present, and anticipating the future. You too can play a role in building this legacy [by contributing to the cause]."
Mayor Gregory Neffinger said, "The design preserves our history, but its buildings reflect a community that cares about its future, its people, and its children."
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners is expected to rule on the design in March, according to Blumenfeld.
