Phase 1: Preliminary Study

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2 Phase 1: Preliminary Study September 2013, Scott Simons Architects was hired to conduct a preliminary study. They were asked to determine: 1. Could the library be expanded onsite 2. Was it necessary to purchase the adjacent property They also provided: 1. A preliminary design to show what an expanded library might entail 2. Preliminary cost estimate for the project

3 Conclusions of Preliminary Study Scott Simons Associates & Trustees with Community Input There is a need to acquire abutting property The recommended size of the building: 18,000 SF is needed A single floor library is more cost efficient A sustainable library with low operational costs is desirable Iverson house could be removed if the building were memorialized in some form The library should maintain its warm, friendly charm Potential future expansion should be considered in this phase

4 Phase 2: Schematic Design May 2014, Scott Simons Architects was hired to complete a schematic design SSA was tasked to develop a refined design that meets all zoning requirements Include more community members Obtain a third party cost estimate Use cost estimate to develop financing plan

5 Overview

6 Notes on Overview The parking lot is designed to reduce traffic taking a short cut between Lunt and Depot Roads. The curved design will reduce speeds, increasing safety for families with young children and older patrons. Drop-off parking will reduce congestion in the parking lot. A walkway from Lunt Road leads to a new entrance, a feature required by the Town s zoning regulations, which will offer greater connectivity to Route 1. On-street parking and lighting on Depot Road has been added. This is a zoning requirement. Trees will buffer the northwest edge of the parking lot and provide privacy to our neighbors.

7 Current Floor Plan 1995 Addition 1965 Addition & Iverson Residence

8 Current Building The current building is composed of three sections: Iverson house The small private residence was built in 1908, and was purchased in 1951 by the Falmouth Memorial Library Association to house the new library. The teen area, Maine collection, biographies, periodicals, and quiet reading areas are located in this section. These spaces are small and inflexible addition This addition accommodated a growing collection. Currently, the space is used for staff offices and work space, the audio collection, and public computers addition The 95 addition is the main part of today s library. The children s area, fiction and non-fiction collections, DVDs, the Circulation and Reference desks, bathrooms, and the much-loved Russell Room are located here. The Serber Room, originally designed as a meeting room in the 95 addition is now used as a staff office.

9 Proposed Floor Plan

10 Proposed Expansion This design will remove the 1965 addition and the Iverson house. New construction will mitigate current structural problems in both of these sections, including the wet basement and roof concerns, and will provide larger, brighter and more flexible space. The expansion will occur in three areas: 1. The current location of the 1965 addition and the Iverson house. 2. Toward Lunt Road for an expanded children s area 3. Toward the front door to include an accessible entrance and staff work area.

11 The Design What It Offers Increased adult collection space People are still reading. Books, videos, and audio books are in demand. Currently, for every book added to the collection a book needs to be withdrawn. Expanded youth collection and programming space A dedicated children s programming space that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Small study and meeting rooms Children and adults need quiet spaces where they can read, study, and collaborate. Dedicated computer space Including two laptop bars where people can bring in their own computers and access the internet.

12 More of What the Design Offers Flexibility Bookshelves and tables will be mobile providing flexibility. Spaces are open and can be changed should the need arise in the future. More work space Needed for volunteers and staff, enabling them to work more efficiently. Staff need quiet, private places to meet with patrons to discuss their needs. Improved air quality Currently, there is mold in the basement. Airflow is inadequate in various places. Energy efficiency At times, parts of the building are hot, while others are cold. An energy analysis of the expansion has determined that energy costs will decrease. Improved sight lines Because of the open design, staff will be able supervise areas where visibility is currently restricted. As a result, the size of the building will increase, but there is not an anticipated need for increased staffing.

13 Floor Plan

14 Floor Plan Overview This floor plan was developed based on input from community members, staff, and trustees. The design is approximately 16,125 square feet. This is almost 2,000 square feet smaller than originally proposed. Dotted lined squares and circles indicate where natural light will enter the building. The Russell Room will be expanded to include much-needed storage. Dedicated reference desk for Reference Librarian. Space is provided for 12 public computers, doubling the current number. Two laptop bars are included one in the public computer area and one in the teen area. Bathrooms will be increase to meet standards. Volunteer and staff work areas are consolidated for work efficiency.

15 Entrance and Youth Area

16 Entrance and Youth Areas Front entrances will meet ADA standards current front entrance does not New entry way: Was added to meet zoning requirements. Offers community seating. This space may be opened a half hour before the library for those waiting to use the library. It will have Wi-Fi access. Children s area: Can be closed off from other parts of library ensuring safety and noise reduction. Has a dedicated programming area for children, freeing up the Russell Room. When not used for programming it will be a wonderful reading space for families. Shelving is flexible so it can be moved to accommodate programming Teen area: A small meeting/programming room will allow students to work on group projects in a supervised area. When children are in school, this room can be used by others. Laptop counter specifically for teens adults can use during the day for remote work access Youth services staff can supervise both children s and teen areas. Study rooms: Near the teen area for use by the teens after school and others during school hours Open design for supervision

17 Entryway

18 Imagine the Entryway These photos from other libraries exemplify our design goals for Falmouth Memorial Library, though our space will not be as large as those shown here. Community entry way a sun-filled area with comfortable low backed seating and shelves along the walls. Display carousels Our newest additions to the collection will be displayed near the entrance.

19 Children s Area, Study Room, Computer Bar

20 Children s Area Children s area Book shelves at child height Light, open spaces for Story Times and craft activities Meeting rooms that are visible Computer bar providing workspace and access to electrical outlets for library users bringing in their own computers for quiet work.

21 Collection and Reading Room

22 Collection and Reading Room The stacks where the books are shelved are accessible and moveable, improving visibility and allowing for flexibility. Books will no longer be shelved up high or down low. A quiet reading room provides a space for patrons who need an area for reading/working/studying. Doors may be closed for a more quiet space. Two meeting/programming rooms. While there are places to meet in town, meeting/programming space is needed for library functions. Although two small meeting and programming rooms are being added, it is really only a gain of one room as the Serber Room from the 1995 addition is now used as a staff office. Clerestory windows above provide natural light into the stacks.

23 Light, Shelving, Seating Remember, this is not how Falmouth Memorial Library will look. These pictures only give examples.

24 Natural Light, Visibility Examples of natural lighting

25 Lower Level Exam

26 Lower Level In addition to the main floor, the project will also include unfinished basement space needed for mechanical systems, energy efficiency, and storage. The slope of the property offers the opportunity for a daylight basement. This creates the option for future expansion to be at basement level. This type of future project would be a renovation and not new construction, which can be done at a much lower cost if needed in the future.

27 Street View

28 Parking Lot View

29 Cross-sectional View View from Lunt Rd. and Depot Road Intersection View from Lunt Road

30 Rendering of Parking Lot

31 Energy Costs

32 Energy Costs An energy analysis was conducted by Thorton Tomasetti. Even though the size of the building will be approximately 6,000 sq ft larger, the energy costs are projected to decrease.

33 Budget Item Construction cost estimate by Conestco including a 5% contingency Cost $4,352,435 10% additional construction contingency $435,243 Furniture, fixtures, and equipment $180,000 Architectural/Engineering fees/leed certification $500,000 Depot and Lunt Road improvements $150,000 TOTAL $5,617,678 Requested Town Contribution 50% $2,810,000

34 How Will This Be Financed? The total project cost is estimated not to exceed $5,617,678 The cost will be split 50/50 between the Town of Falmouth and contributions from the community. The cost of the bond for a house assessed at $400,000 will be approximately $32 per year for the duration of the bond, or about the cost of a single hardcover book. The town will have a chance to vote on the bond on November 4, 2014.