News

Alders go over library designs

Architecture firms lay out plans to replace West Mifflin building

The Members of the Central Library Disposal Surplus Property Criteria and Selection Committee made steps toward the redevelopment of Downtown Madison Public Library Monday night.

Various companies have proposed to level the building and rebuild the structure. The library is currently on West Mifflin Street and is used by some University of Wisconsin students living in the area.

Representatives from the Fiore Companies and Irgens Development Group and T. Wall Properties spoke on behalf of their development proposals for rebuilding the libraries.

William Kunkler, executive vice president of Fiore Companies said the Fiore-Irgens Proposal would offer long-term returns to the community by generating tax revenue and would “enhance the energy” of the area.

In the presentation of their proposal to the committee, Fiore-Irgens said they wish to build a six-story building at the corner of West Washington Avenue and Henry Street, which is considered a high traffic area of the city.

Krunkler said he understands the economic difficulties of creating new public/private parking in the area but is confident he can form a partnership with the city to create parking at the side of the building. He added retail will further enhance the area.

“We encourage this committee as its representative to pursue the superior library rather than the library they think they can afford,” Kunkler said.

Steve Holzhauer, principle architect of Eppstein Uhen Architects said the downtown library project will be “a catalyst for the downtown neighborhood,” adding the public/private coordination will improve the downtown with the addition of a hotel, shops and restaurants.

Sean Robbins, vice president of development at T. Wall Properties noted the economics of the projects play an important factor when deciding which design proposal to choose.

He added the total cost of T. Wall Properties’ proposal, at $38,231, 178, is approximately $5.5 million less than Fiore/Irgens proposal at $43,656,250.

Ald. Marsha Rummel, District 6, said because the T. Wall Properties proposal keeps the library in the same location, patrons will remain loyal to the library because they already know its location.

However, after Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said the library would need a temporary location while it is undergoing reconstruction. Several members of the board agreed the library could potentially lose customers.

Verveer added the Fiore/Irgens plan would only require one location move instead of two.

Vice President of the Library Board David Wallner said Fiore/Irgens’ plan to add a hotel to the library structure would bring masses of people to the downtown, especially during Badger games and visiting weekends.

Although no decision was rendered concerning which architecture company to contract, the committee scheduled its next meeting on March 2 to discuss the plans to renovate the current library structure.