Other Community Benefits
The new Central Library has been designed as a monumental civic building, elevating it to become a source of community pride for the City of Madison. Our identity-defining architecture can be expected to facilitate successful private fundraising, and enhance the overall appeal of the Madison Central Library as an enduring stand-alone destination.
Our development plan allows the existing library to stay in operation during construction of the new library. Disruptions for library staff and users will be minimized and, most importantly, the City will not incur the substantial costs and inconveniences related to double moves, renting temporary facilities, etc.
Other positive aspects of our Block 66 development plan include:
- The new Central Library has been designed with environmental sensitivity, and with the goal of achieving a LEED Silver certification.
- Future redevelopment of the existing library site will provide the opportunity for additional public parking stalls, which will allow the Central Library to serve a broader base of potential visitors.
- Retail shops and restaurants envisioned at street level on Mifflin Street, opposite the Overture Center, will bring additional vigor and vitality to the area.
