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Plans approved for new library By JILL BRISKEY The city of Medford has approved plans for the new library main branch and with any luck, construction could kick off in May. Friday, Medford's Site Plan and Architectural Review Commission (SPAC) approved the county's plans for the 78,000-square-foot building that will replace the old Carnegie library building. Although Jackson County is responsible for the project, both the city commission and the Medford Urban Renewal Agency had approval authority on different aspects of the design plan. It took four public meetings of discussion and debate before the project was given the go-ahead. Site plan commission members expressed concerns on a wide range of issues before granting their approval. One revision included changing the design of the entryway and enlarging the front door for better visibility. "Basically, this means the city is OK with it," said Jackson County's head librarian, Ronnie Budge. "It's going to be a beautiful building, an asset to Medford." Friday's decision will clear the way for county officials to tackle other aspects of the project, including land acquisition, creating construction drawings and obtaining various permits. County deputy administrator Dave Kanner said the project should go to bid in March and construction will most likely begin in May or June. "This is great that it's moving ahead," Kanner said. The two-story library is expected to last 100 years and will cost an estimated $18 million. A completion date is slated in 2003. It will be built on the western half of the block between Ninth and 10th streets, bounded by Central and Riverside avenues. The library will feature a water fountain sculpture near the main entrance, outdoor gardens, a coffee and book shop and art inside and out. MURA has kicked in $3 million for streetside landscaping and parking. Budge said she's pleased despite the ongoing meetings with the city and MURA. "I think we have a better building from the suggestions you have made through this process," she told SPAC board members Friday. Plans for the old Carnegie library have been put on hold until the city finishes a study examining its space needs. However, suggestions include a child-care center, museum, municipal court and community center. The city likely will seek public input before making a decision. Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.