Long Range Planning - 2006
Purpose
January 2006 - What began as a Long-Range Planning Committee for Olson Memorial Library’s future evolved into a lively discussion about expansion of the facility. Members of the Committee, composed of library Director Diana Anderson, Board of Trustees President Chris Oatman, Foundation Board representatives, and interested citizens from the area, concluded that increased numbers of materials along with updated internet equipment and furnishings have been steadily eroding available space.
Process
After considering a number of locations for a new building, or remodeling of a larger existing building, the consensus of opinion was that the library should if possible remain at 203 North Main Street. Some reasons for this conclusion were that the library is easily reached by walking or biking as well as driving, it is in a low-vehicle traffic area, and an expansion would make more sense than building new, because demographic projections do not foresee a huge explosion of population in the next twenty years.
Result
One of the committee members, Einar “Sy” Syvertsen, a retired city planner, formulated a concept that would keep the library in its present location and increase parking utilizing both the existing building and the lot to the north, which the City also owns, to create an addition that would almost double the library’s size.
The Library Foundation set up meetings with architects to discuss possible plans. S.E.H. Architects from Houghton and Chippewa Falls met with members along with Director Anderson and Board President Oatman on February 16. Durrant Architects from Hartland met on April 18.
January 2006 - What began as a Long-Range Planning Committee for Olson Memorial Library’s future evolved into a lively discussion about expansion of the facility. Members of the Committee, composed of library Director Diana Anderson, Board of Trustees President Chris Oatman, Foundation Board representatives, and interested citizens from the area, concluded that increased numbers of materials along with updated internet equipment and furnishings have been steadily eroding available space.
Process
After considering a number of locations for a new building, or remodeling of a larger existing building, the consensus of opinion was that the library should if possible remain at 203 North Main Street. Some reasons for this conclusion were that the library is easily reached by walking or biking as well as driving, it is in a low-vehicle traffic area, and an expansion would make more sense than building new, because demographic projections do not foresee a huge explosion of population in the next twenty years.
Result
One of the committee members, Einar “Sy” Syvertsen, a retired city planner, formulated a concept that would keep the library in its present location and increase parking utilizing both the existing building and the lot to the north, which the City also owns, to create an addition that would almost double the library’s size.
The Library Foundation set up meetings with architects to discuss possible plans. S.E.H. Architects from Houghton and Chippewa Falls met with members along with Director Anderson and Board President Oatman on February 16. Durrant Architects from Hartland met on April 18.