Architects compete Monday for library project

After plenty of time spent reviewing architect resumes and visiting facilities built by prospective architect firms, the Galesburg Public Library Board of Trustees on Monday will finally get to see preliminary designs of what a new library could look like.

The library board has been progressing its effort to build a new library facility in town so that it might be in position to qualify for state money in the spring. To do so, preliminary design plans have to be in place, and the board hopes to have an architect and a rough sketch picked out soon after Monday.

A design competition between the three architects vying for the librarys business will take place Monday at the library, 40 E. Simmons St. An open house will begin at 6 p.m., where residents will be allowed to inspect the plans close up and talk to the architects. Formal presentations will begin at 7 p.m. Board members have said there will be ample opportunity for the public to vet the finalists.

As long as someones a local stakeholder, they will be given the chance to ask questions, said Mike Kroll, the librarys Construction Committee chair before his death in December.

Nine architect firms sent in their qualifications to the library in October, hoping to get the new building project that could cost $15 million. Board members were impressed with the caliber of firms that applied, with some having completed modern staples like the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago and the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Norway.

Site visits were conducted for four finalists, where board members were able to inspect previous designs and in turn get a better idea of what the Galesburg library should look like. Their verdict? It should be an exciting and unique addition to the community, but it should fit within the citys more prairie setting.

Some of the libraries visited in the more affluent Chicago suburbs would prove to be too expensive or too modern.

And while the designs presented Monday will surely garner passionate opinions both ways, it is important to remember the designs presented are just sketches, board members said.

We dont want them to think these designs are hard and fast, said member Mary Phillips. Throughout the evening, we need to reassure the public that theres going to be a working relationship, and there will be many opportunities for public input.

jward@register-mail.com

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Architects compete Monday for library project