Other Area's Library Expansion Plans - Part 2

(See also part 1 at http://cspgs.blogspot.com/2014/02/other-areas-library-expansion-plans.html )

Many Libraries expand their facilities without seeing a necessity to totally demolish the existing library.  If that had been the proposal for the Sunnyvale 2007 library bond issue, it would undoubtedly have passed.

Here are some more examples of expansions of, and substantial upgrades to, existing libraries:

Before, Proposed, ...

...And After

Middleburg, VA, doubled the size of their small county library with detailed plans before hand so people could see what they woudl be getting.  See below

The Southern Oregon University Library (below) was originally nearly 60K square feet (the size of the Sunnyvale Public Library) and completely renovated and doubled in size to 120K square feet for $23M in 2007.  We give more detail and with many lovely photos of the complete renovation that was done to the building at http://cspgs.blogspot.com/2014/02/a-model-for-library-expansion.html

And another library expansion.

If there had been diagrams of what the $100M would be purchasing, the 2007 Library Bond issue might have passed.  With no information, it is a wonder anyone voted for it.  That they did shows how much they support libraries and would like an improved library.  Sunnyvale should try again with more information, for an expanded and renovated library.  We would like to support that.

Private Development of Civic Center in Pictures

The drawing Deborah and I saw (in mayor Spitaleri's office last Fall) of the proposed private development of the Civic Center had two or three six-story buildings on El Camino.  What would that look like? Here's the existing street view: (Click on a picture to enlarge and get the full impact).

The new LinkedIn buildings are six stories.  Here they are as they would appear in the Civic Center space on El Camino (click on picture to enlarge):

We have heard various concepts including only four stories.  So imagine the top two stories aren't there.  Six or four - that totally misses the point.

Here is the Civic Center layout in it's current form (click on it to enlarge):

Here is the city staff's proposed concept for the Civic Center from their Power Point slide presentation on July, 2012.  Links at: http://cspgs.blogspot.com/2012/10/links-to-information-on-salelease-of.html

Other Areas Library Expansion Plans - Part 1

(See also part 2 at http://cspgs.blogspot.com/2014/02/other-areas-library-expansion-plans_17.html )

In 2007 Sunnyvale proposed a Library Bond measure for $100M for the tear down of the existing library and construction of a new library of 100K sq. ft. - a cost of $1,000 per sq. ft..  There was no money set aside over previous years for this proposed expansion.  There were no pictures, architectural drawings, mock-ups, or plans for the proposed library.  

Not every city does it that way.  Here are what some other cities and counties have done: Click on a slide/photo to get a greatly enlarged view.  

The Chapel Hill, NC public library more than doubled in size (27K to 62K sq. ft.) at roughly $500/sq. ft. The plans were laid out - and built as described.  Finished April, 2013. 

More info: http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/04/07/2809590/chapel-hill-public-library-begins.html

A full set here including floor plans of both floors:

http://www.townofchapelhill.org/index.aspx?page=871#images

Completed view exterior

Completed view interior

See images at: http://chapelhillpubliclibrary.org/txp/index.php?id=854

For a fantastic interactive panorama view of the Chapel Hill, NC new library, enabling you to walk through it, see here (must see):

https://www.google.com/maps/@35.932184,-79.035744,3a,75y,194.89h,71.64t/data=!3m5!1e1!3m3!1sM5AKZ81pvBUAAAQJOMn3eg!2e0!3e2!6m1!1e1

Here's another - a small (5,000 sq. ft.) library with a 50% increase to 7,790 sq. ft. at $200/sq. ft., construction started November 2013. C.f., http://haworth.bccls.org/images/haworthpowerpoint-2.pdf

In 2007 Sunnyvale residents were voting for a bond measure purely on faith that the proposed library would be what they wanted.  Without any opposition, it received 59% of the vote, failing to garner the California constitution's mandated 2/3 majority for a tax increase. 

The Kent County, Michigan library system created several floor plans and drawings as a natural part of the planning process.  Doing this does not guarantee a successful vote for the expansion, but NOT doing it is a recipe for failure.

For more plans see: http://www.kdl.org/kdl/pdf/GrandvilleExpansionPlan.pdf

The Sunnyvale "Library of the Future" study often referred in support of the 2007 bond measure had no drawings, no floor plans, nothing at all to indicate what the library would look like and what it would include. There has been no plan since then to go to the voters again with a more clearly articulated library and bond plan.  Too bad.  With proper preparation, a well designed building expansion could win.

There are quite a number of libraries which expand and modernize around the country without tearing down what exists.  Here's one county library in Wyoming.  Even though money was set aside over 30 years ago, detailed plans were made public so residents could form an opinion.

Although we can assume everyone involved in the Sunnyvale proposal was honest and sincere, some people are likely to be a bit skeptical without more detail of what was going to be built than was provided (i.e., close to zero).  In trying to get money for a library expansion, (which Deborah and I both support) it is important to convey as much information as necessary to convince people to raise their own taxes.

A Model for Library Expansion

Permalink:
http://cspgs.blogspot.com/2014/02/a-model-for-library-expansion.html
(see related post: http://cspgs.blogspot.com/2013/10/joint-use-part-1.html )

Could we add on and modernize the existing Sunnyvale library?  Here is an addition to a library in Oregon that suggests the answer is an emphatic yes!

(To expand the size of the photos, click on one and they will be available as a series in greatly expanded form.  Highly recommended to fully appreciate what a wonderful library it is.)

In 2003, Southern Oregon University started work using a state grant of $23M to add 60,000 sq. ft. to their existing 60,000 sq. ft. library – doubling it in size.  The existing Sunnyvale Public Library is also 60,000 sq. ft.  The $23M state grant included furnishings and fixtures.  The new SOU Hannon Library also received a new exterior.

Exterior of Hannon Library

This soaring Atrium with handmade tile floor was part of the $23M addition.

The high, open space allows room for this beloved wooden statue carved from an old tree several decades ago honoring the Native Americans who used to live in Southern Oregon.

The lobby has a nice sitting area as part of the $23M addition.

The interior is well lit with ample space and office furnishings for staff and students including (in the upper right) a food area as part of the $23M addition.

There are semi-private rooms where groups of students can work together, and many computer stations, a presentation room and of course, lots of books and shelf space around the new tables and chairs as part of the $23M addition.

The existing structure's HVAC was upgraded in addition to adding what was needed for the new addition.  The $23M addition was constructed while the existing library was in full use by SOU students.  It achieved LEED Silver status despite not modifying the existing HVAC by aggressively managing the lighting so that it turns down when no one is near.

LEED Silver level was achieved despite a large amount of glass in a climate like Oregon’s with real winters and cool evenings.  The external shell was entirely replaced as part of the $23M addition.

Could the existing Sunnyvale Library be added on to?  The example of the SOU library suggests the answer is "of course!"  It could be doubled in size (100% increase) for much less than the cost of a new one without forsaking all the amenities we associate with a modern library.  

The 2007 Sunnyvale Library bond issue to tear down the old one and put up a new one with only 50% more space was for $100M.  This doubling of size at Southern Oregon University cost $23M with furnishings and fixtures.  Assuming 3% inflation over the ensuing 11 years would mean an increase in costs of 38% to $32M or, roughly $500/sq. ft.  This is completely consistent with costs of library exapnsions and new construction in the SF Bay area as detailed, (some might say exhaustively) at 

http://cspgs.blogspot.com/2014/02/library-costs-in-california.html

Here is the report by the engineering firm summarizing the long list of upgrades to the Hannon Library at SOU:

http://www.bhengineers.com/services/energy-engineering/southern-oregon-university-hannon-library-expansio/

“Balzhiser & Hubbard Engineers provided mechanical, electrical, and energy engineering during the design and construction phases for this renovation and expansion project. Mechanical engineering services include design of HVAC, hydronic, and plumbing systems for the renovation of the existing 59,000 square foot library and an addition of approximately 61,000 square feet. Systems included single duct VAV, dual duct VAV, and heat recovery HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, and steam and chilled water connections to the central campus systems. Special HVAC and fire protection systems included those serving the 2,000 square foot rare book area. Electrical services included the upgrade of existing electrical and network infrastructure in the existing building to support proposed technology needs. A new fire alarm system was designed to address the existing building and the addition. Lighting in the existing building was upgraded and incorporated into the lighting control system installed for the new building. Balzhiser & Hubbard Engineers also managed the modeling and reporting process under the (then) new SEED guidelines using DOE-2.2. A significant challenge associated with this project was that portions of the existing library had to remain in service during construction.”

History of SOU library: http://hanlib.sou.edu/about/history.html

Sunnyvale Joint Use of Public School Libraries- Part 1

See part 2 at http://cspgs.blogspot.com/2014/02/joint-school-public-libraries-2.html

Related post at: http://cspgs.blogspot.com/2014/02/a-model-for-library-expansion.html

The suggestion of the sale of part of the Civic Center (where the public library and city hall are) was a source of dismay so Deborah Marks and I worked to present alternatives.

One of the alternatives we have suggested is the sharing ("joint use") of public school libraries with the Sunnyvale City Library.  Costs would be shared so the schools would have lower costs and the libraries would get much more use by the public (mostly kids).  Here is a presentation before the Sunnyvale City Council on March 5th, 2013 on some of the aspects of joint use of public school libraries with the city library (slight pause before I start talking - sorry).  It is also available on YouTube at:

http://youtu.be/54LKGFpVKCU

(Slides used are shown below)

Links to references to the proposal to sale/lease the civic center and related issues are collected here:
http://cspgs.blogspot.com/2012/10/links-to-information-on-salelease-of.html

Slide 1 continued an argument that the amount of money involved is roughly that of the entire city budget and should not be taken with a simple city council vote.  The voters of the city should decide such a momentous issue.  Since only 50%+1 need to approve a non-tax issue, propositiopn 13 doesn't come into it.  The $100M library bond proposal that got 59% of the vote was only for a library, not selling off major parts of the civic center.

Slide 2 was excerpted from the city document showing the proposed sale of various parts of the Civic Center showing what would be sold and retained.

Slide two showed the area within 2 miles of the current library (red) and two proposed libraries.  The existing library would be demolished.

Slide 4 showed the proposal for joint use libraries with a smaller radius of "use area" since the thought is that it would be more for kids than adults who would be more likely to walk to the library.

City Council Meeting March 19, 2013

The following is the text of the speech which Deborah Marks gave before the City Council during Public Comments.  Michael Goldman followed with more examples of libraries with additions.  To see both presentations just google "Sunnyvale City Council Meetings Video" and go to "Watch Council Meetings Online."  Our presentations are about 10 minutes into the start of the meeting.

City Council Meeting                                                                March 19, 2013

My name is Deborah Marks and I’m with the group Citizens for Sunnyvale Parks and Green Spaces.  I have spoken to the council before about the future of the civic center….as it is now and as it would be if the public/private partnership concept of July 31^st, 2012, were to go through.

  

As it would be....

 

After having talked to many people and having seen the buildings at the civic center, I would like to suggest the following.

We know that the city doesn’t have the money to build two or three new buildings.  We know that the bond measure for $108 million for a new library did not get the 2/3’s majority it needed in 2007.

We know that the buildings…city hall and the library….are capable of being repaired or added onto.   In both cases this could be done and provide more space for the library patrons and city employees at a comparably lower cost to the city than new buildings.  This cost comparison was done in a feasibility study for the city in 2002/2003.  A branch library is being considered at the Lakewood Park Site which could help to solve the space dilemma at the main library.  An example of a attractive addition to a library can be seen here in Schenectady, New York.  It illustrates a combination of the new with the old.  It is an addition of 6700 sq. ft.  for a children’s area and for technology services.

 

Schenectady, New York

The immediate problem seems to be with the Office Center on the north side of Olive Ave…. between the library and Union Bank… and the South Annex behind City Hall.  They are in dire need of repair.  A new building could be built at the site of the Office Center to replace both.  If it were two stories high but in keeping with the style of the older buildings, it would fit into the setting and provide more space.  An example of such a building would be the Packard Foundation in Los Altos.  Perhaps this could be the new city hall and the old city hall could be used for the overflow at the Public Safety Building.  The construction could be financed in other ways than selling or leasing the city’s land.

Packard Foundation, Los Alto, CA

 

Money could then be set aside for additional new buildings in the future.  As I understand this will be considered at a study session to create an ordinance to set aside amounts of funds for large city infrastructure projects. 

Just as home owners have to budget and save for future projects in the upkeep of their homes, the city must put aside money for repairs and construction.  Renovating and building at the civic center can be done in phases and, that way, ensure that the civic center site will be maintained for future generations.

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Deborah Marks

Our February 2013 Newsletter

Dear Supporters,

On December 4, 2012 we were invited to a tour of the Civic Center by the Assistant City Manager, Robert Walker.  This is mainly due to the emails you have written to the city council which Mr. Walker reads and takes seriously.  He pointed out the problems with the city hall, south annex and office annexes (“rabbit hutches”) across from the city hall.  Mr. Walker also gave us three studies commissioned by the city in 2002, 2003 and 2009 regarding the civic center and possible renovations to the site.  A report of the tour can be seen at our blog http://cspgs.blogspot.com/.  The studies are available at our NEW Website(!).  This can be reached by typing in: CSPGS.com (no “www” in front) which redirects to https://www.sites.google.com/site/citizenssunnyvalepandgs

One reason for a website was to provide a central location where anyone can go to download the many files of information and presentation that we have accumulated but can’t post on a blog.  These can be accessed at: https://www.sites.google.com/site/citizenssunnyvalepandgs/resource-center

We started out with the 3 documents we borrowed from Mr. Walker which are outside experts’ analyses of the Civic Center issues over the years.  We scanned them in by hand since Mr. Walker did not have electronic forms.  One of the key findings is that the traffic generated by the proposed massive commercial development of the Civic Center would double traffic delays from about 35 seconds per car to 65-75 seconds degrading traffic congestion to the lowest possible rating of F.  More on that later.

The web site is a work in progress.  We are using a template with a lot of sample features pre-filled with obscure Latin.  We would welcome any help in polishing it up.

We proposed to the City Council that a cost/analysis study of a small scale development of a new slightly larger office building to replace the Sunnyvale Office Center (AKA “rabbit hutches”) be considered as a study issue for this year.  Michael introduced this study at the City Council Meeting on January 8, 2013.  Decisions as to which study issues will be selected for the year considered by the City Council on February 1, 2013.  Our proposal for a study issue was selected for further study which required 2 council members to vote for it but ultimately was voted down by the board because City Manager Gary Luebbers claimed that it would be considered in a broader study.

Flyers are still being distributed in the city but if anyone would like to volunteer to help with the distribution, just send us an e-mail.  We certainly could use more help.  Financial contributions to defray the expense of the paper and the printing ink would also be welcome.  We are in the process of adding a paragraph to the flyer to clearly state that our main issue is to preserve the geography of the civic center as it is.  That we are also making suggestions to the city as to the possibilities for renovation to the buildings or, if necessary, for new construction.    The revised newsletter can be seen at our blog.

As an example, the new Lucille and David Packard Foundation building in Los Altos would fit perfectly into the current civic center site as a replacement for one of the buildings.  It’s located at 343 Second St.  You can see it at http://www.packard.org/.  A video is available at http://vimeo.com/45338217#at=0.  We will be suggesting this type of construction at a City Council meeting if the replacement of buildings is necessary.

In the last newsletter we wrote that we were extending an invitation to any council member who would like to meet with us.  We also said that we would be open to any corrections to our flyer.  We received no answer from any council member.