The Ward One Library Coalition and partners attended the 4th community design meeting as hosted by DC Public Libraries and Chief Librarian Ginnie Cooper.
It was was almost five months ago when DCPL last presented at a public meeting any structural images -- the "Ice cube" expansion extending out of the West side of this historic Carnegie building.
Last night, about 75 people watched the DCPL-hired architects present a slideshow of more than fifteen images showing a dramatic reconfiguration of DCPL's expansion project for the Mount Pleasant Library.
These new design images reflected changes based on some of the concerns residents had about the initial configuration. The architect, Henry Myerberg, did say these images were "hot off the press" and a "work in progress."
Only a few of these slideshow images and some narration have made it up on the DCPL website today.
After the architect's presentation, public discussion highlighted some new and serious concerns regarding fire safety for residents living behind the library near where the three-story high expansion would go. These concerns need further examination and CM Graham and DCPL pledged to clarify these safety issues along with nuisance concerns about a ramp along the side of the building.
In addition, CM Graham conducted a simple straw poll of the audience to get general feedback moving forward. His first question about whether the audience would consider an expansion out the back of the building got almost complete support.
Following on this he asked if the audience would consider supporting a meaningful renovation within the current walls of the historic MtPl Library building, dropping the plan to fully expand the building, and take the savings to build-out another library service location in the Ward.
This question also got nearly complete support by those in attendance -- showing that there is a desire among residents that Ward One needs more than one library service location as the Mount Pleasant library is the only Ward One Library.
This second question about expanding library services to other locations substantiates the March 17, 2009 ANC-1D resolution which resolves unequivocally that there should be a realistic renovation, with perhaps a limited expansion, of the historic Mount Pleasant building so to use cost savings for other library service locations in our Ward.
Applause for DCPL and Chief Librarian Cooper was led by The Ward One Library Coalition to acknowledge that to some extent they finally listened to the myriad of problems with the original design configuration.
With this applause also came an expectation that DCPL must work collaboratively going forward with the broader Ward One community to shape these new conceptual plans in a way that is truly engaging and meaningful -- unlike the poor design process last year which led to so many problems and a poor design.
Chief Librarian Ginnie Cooper seemed defiant, stating that her process "has worked," but the Ward One Library Coalition feels she has not proven who the current design process has worked for and we made that point very clear.
Obviously, Ward One will have to stay on DCPL for the necessary engagement we expect to make this design process work for us given the reconfiguration plans just being introduced now.
Some of the new reconfiguration plans for the Mount Pleasant Library project can be found on the DCPL website.
OTHER REPORTS
Richard Huffine, President of the Mount Pleasant Friends
Summary of the Mount Pleasant design meeting, March 26, 2009
Posted by: "Richard Huffine" richardhuffine@yahoo.com richardhuffine
Date: Sat Mar 28, 2009
Friends –
On Thursday night, the DC Public Library held their fourth design meeting for the renovation of the Mount Pleasant Library. Based on community feedback and further conversations with staff from both the Commission on Fine Arts and DC Historic Preservation Office, the architects presented an alternate design.
The Commission and Office staff have conceded that the rear sun room may be removed to allow DCPL to relocate the addition to the rear of the property. The new design moves the meeting room to the rear on the first floor, the young adult area to the terrace level, and the ramp along the south side of the building with an entrance on the first floor at the rear as well. A dedicated program room, staff space, and mechanical equipment would comprise the second floor addition.
What was presented to the public at the meeting were sketches. Additional work is needed to clarify the location of staircases, bathrooms, etc. Other issues that haven’t been resolved include the composition of the roof, the skin of the addition, and the configuration of an outdoor reading room off the terrace level that would replace the current driveway and trash area.
The community raised their continued concern about Fire Department access to the rear of buildings along Mount Pleasant and Sixteenth Streets. DCPL committed to arranging a meeting with the Fire Marshall at an upcoming community meeting. DCPL plans to take this design to the April meeting of the Commission on Fine Arts and is continuing to negotiate for interim library space at 3155 Mount Pleasant Street.
Concerns were also raised about the lack of library services in other areas of Ward One. Chief Librarian Cooper reiterated the Board of Library Trustees’ position that no additional locations will be considered until a comprehensive Library Services and Facilities Plan is developed.
DCPL staff committed to putting the new sketches on their Web site (www.dclibrary.org) by the end of the day Friday. Please take a look and let me know your thoughts.