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Key News Update
A better library system for San Diego
By Jim Madaffer
San Diego Union-Tribune, Dec. 8, 2005
It is not surprising that the cost to build the new main library has increased from the projected cost, which was last estimated in 2003.
Rescuing the library
In city's dark hour, so much hinges on so few
San Diego Union-Tribune (editorial), Dec. 7, 2005
Amid all the menacing clouds of San Diego's financial plight, one imposing civic achievement glimmers on the horizon – a new central library to be built in the flourishing ballpark district. Unlike other city endeavors, this one hinges on the support of private citizens, in particular a cadre of philanthropists who are committed to the cultural and intellectual life of San Diego.
Library backers not put off by higher cost projection
Private donations expected to fill gap
San Diego Union-Tribune, Dec. 2, 2005
Escalating construction costs have not dampened enthusiasm among boosters of a landmark public library for downtown San Diego.
City Council votes funding to begin library construction
San Diego Union-Tribune, April 19, 2005
The City Council voted Tuesday to spend $6.5 million to begin construction on a new library in downtown San Diego. The 8-1 vote was needed to keep the $150 million project moving forward.
Build the library
It can be done, despite financial troubles
San Diego Union-Tribune, April 3, 2005
A new central library, the dream of many San Diegans for 30 years, has never seemed so close. And yet, in light of the financial morass at City Hall, it has never seemed so impossible. The questions about whether to proceed are indeed substantial. But we remain convinced that the time for it is now. Read the full editorial...
Union-Tribune Publisher Pledges $2 Million toward Downtown Library
San Diego Union-Tribune, March 11, 2005
David C. Copley, president and chief executive officer of The Copley Press Inc. and publisher of The San Diego Union-Tribune, pledged $2 million toward a new downtown library, Mayor Dick Murphy announced Friday.
$80 million OK'd for new S.D. library
San Diego Union-Tribune, Feb. 24, 2005
The board of San Diego's downtown redevelopment agency yesterday approved a contribution of up to $80 million for the planned main library. The Centre City Development Corp.'s directors voted 6-0, with Chairman Hal Sadler abstaining, to contribute that amount to the $149.5 million project. It is double what the board previously had approved.
Overview
The City plans to build a new, state-of-the-art Main Library that will
serve as the heart of the City's library system. The project will be located
on the planned Park-to-Bay Link in the East Village of downtown. The 297,581-square-foot
facility will include 250 underground parking spaces dedicated to library
patrons and over two thousand more will be available within 500 feet of the building.
The existing Central Library was opened in 1954 when the City's population was less than 450,000.
Over the years, the library collections have outgrown the available space. Two thirds of the collection is
stored in the two basement levels, not available to the public for browsing. The Central Library does not
have the electrical capacity nor space for computer stations to meet the needs of the public. There is also
little space for exhibits, meetings or cultural events.
Rob Wellington Quigley's design for the library reflects the view that a modern library should
transcend its archival responsibilities and function as a place for learning and community interaction.
The nine-story building will include two-story glass windows that invite views into the library from the
trolley and surrounding areas. Large, folding glass doors in the building's interior open into
a "library garden."
This intimate outdoor room, shaded by large trees, will serve as an important gathering space,
suitable for large events. A pavilion-like outdoor café will be located in this outdoor space as
well as a 350-seat, sloped floor auditorium. The entire façade between the auditorium and courtyard
can be opened to increase auditorium capacity.
The library will have "penthouse" floors from which visitors can enjoy spectacular views of
the San Diego Bay. An airy, three-story crystalline reading room will be shaded by overhead latticework with
a series of open terraces looking down onto the reading room. Additionally, a catering kitchen will serve
the 400-seat, west-facing multi-purpose room. The rooftop space will be configured so that as many as four
separate functions can take place concurrently.
An open, trellised dome protects the public rooms and terraces from both the summer sun and cool bay breezes. The dome
differentiates the library from the downtown commercial high rises and hotels and makes reference to regional architectural
traditions. Unique among civic architecture, San Diego's inside/outside domed library celebrates our mild climate, encourages
social interaction, and will serve as a cultural center for the entire region. The facility includes 70,000 square feet of future
expansion space.
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