In a further step toward redevelopment, area developers unveiled a proposal to find developers for a new Central Library in Madison’s downtown before the City Council meeting Tuesday night.

After negotiations between the city and developer Fiore Companies failed, some city officials have announced their support for the proposal to rebuild the library at its current W. Mifflin Street location. In an 18-1 vote, City Council endorsed the reconstruction of the current branch.

Jeanne Hoffman, Madison’s Facilities & Sustainability Manager, said the city has determined its top five choices of architectural engineering firms to partner with for the project.

Hoffman said the city sent out a request for qualifications in November with specific criteria. She said the city is looking for a firm with an understanding of the project, library design experience and a willingness to engage in public participation.

In December, the city received 11 proposal submissions. Shortly thereafter, the city released an addendum to all interested firms asking for additional information regarding core, shell and high-rise construction experience. After reviewing the firms’ additional submissions, Hoffman said, the Central Library Selection Committee ranked the top five firms based on related experience, references and green building services.

The selection committee has since released a second addendum to the five firms regarding experience with renovation and remodeling. The main issue, Hoffman said, is whether the firms have experience designing larger libraries.

After the project receives council approval, the Selection Committee will review the second addendum submitted materials and select one firm, Hoffman said. The city will then enter into contract negotiations, and the project will require a series of council approvals.

Hoffman said during the interview process, the importance of public participation was emphasized and all five firms assured the council of their understanding of the project’s significance to the public.

“They understand that it’s a central library — that it’s the heart of cultural life for a community,” Hoffman said. “A library is a reflection of the community so of course public participation is going to be paramount.”

Library Board President Tripp Widder added the library board has been working to ensure public participation is a key component in the library’s design plans.

Widder said he hopes the city will be able to partner with a professional designer who will be able to guide community discussion in developing a library unique to Madison.

Hoffman said the city should approach the project without a preconceived notion of how it will look.

“I think we should start with a blank slate and ask the community what they value, what they want to see,” Hoffman said.

However, Ald. Shiva Bidar-Sielaff, District 5, raised concerns with the amount of time reserved for public participation with the projected project timeline.

Hoffman said while the timeline is “aggressive,” it is tenable and will help the community focus in on the project. He added there is an incentive to move quickly. With scarce job opportunities, many companies are currently bidding, which has created competition and a favorable economic climate for the city, she said.