By SARA VAN DYCK Special to the Daily Press
The prospects for a new Main Library encountered yet another hurdle at the last City Planning Commission meeting on Jan. 8. After architects from Moore Ruble Yudell (MRY) presented their latest plans for the new building, commission members turned down the design. In addition to questioning architectural details, commission members complained that the design did not relate to the community and was not “pedestrian-friendly.”
In response, the Board of the Friends of the Santa Monica Public Library expressed disappointment over this latest delay which, it believes, could jeopardize the project. Funds for the Main Library construction are derived from the passage of Proposition L in the 1990s providing $25 million, which included a small percentage to renovate the branch libraries. The city has allocated an additional $32 million to make up the projected cost of $57 million, and funds for the parking structure will come from the Redevelopment Agency. Delays will only increase the cost. Board members were concerned that with the precarious state of the economy and Governor Davis’ latest budget cuts, it is not certain how much the city will be able to supply if the delays continue.
Moore Ruble Yudell has been asked to return to the Planning Commission meeting of Feb. 12 to present revised design plans in response to the Commission's comments. On a positive note, the Planning Commission did approve the environmental impact report for the temporary library. This will allow for the seismic retrofitting of the temporary building to begin in readiness for the Main Library move.
Renovations of two branch libraries are now complete, and Fairview Branch has just reopened. Librarian Sylvia Anderle reports that there has been a “constant flow of people” from the day of the reopening. She points to the visual appeal of the alterations, which include a video room and periodical room looking onto the patio. One functional improvement has been additional wiring and outlets, making it more convenient for laptop users, and opening the possibility of more Internet computers in the future.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 24, 2003. Read the original PDF.