Both concepts show the possibility of a 14,568-square-foot library structure on the 705 N. Dolan Drive. The concepts feature study spaces, meeting rooms that could be accessed after library hours, a central circulation desk, a quiet reading space, and more.
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Attendees were able to provide feedback on the concepts for future refinements. Going forward, there will be additional meetings where the community will be encouraged to attend. Currently, community members can ask to see the concepts at the adult and children desks. The concepts are not final designs.

The workshop examined what elements could fit in a new library built on the Dolan Street Property. Attendees were encouraged to dream during the session, and there were some cool features, including a business center with a laminator; a fenced in space for children to enjoy; a meeting space that the public could use (including after library hours); and private study rooms. Becky’s Garden could also be expanded and feature a calming walkway. There would also be outdoor spaces designed for different age groups — adults, too!
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There are no finalized designs. The architects at Arkos Design will take information gleaned at the workshop and further refine it. SPL will hold additional meetings that will be open to the public. Watch for news on SPL’s website.

As the project develops, follow its progress at https://www.syracuse.lib.in.us/building-project.html.

The community will participate in the design process through a series of explorative community meetings facilitated by Arkos Design.
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SPL is very excited to begin planning this  summer, and hope to have an initial design by late fall. Look for        updates on the project on our website; a special page for the project will arrive soon.

He shared a feasibility study for the Dolan Drive/Main Street property, which focused on how the lot might be used rather than presenting any official designs.

One of the library’s prime goals is to build a single-floor structure to capture both construction and long-term HVAC savings; improve accessibility; and lessen staffing challenges. The study  presented by Anglemyer largely showed how that might be accomplished on the site.

For right now, the library is waiting for the removal of a buried tank on the Dolan Drive property, which is expected to occur on Jan. 18 and 19 with the assistance of a grant from Michiana Area Council of Governments. Ownership of the property will not pass to the library until after the tank’s removal because of the grant.

If all goes well, further design work will occur after the transfer of property ownership.

​We will keep everyone informed throughout this process.

By Kim Blaha | SPL Executive Director

Obtain a building site: Almost completed
The Town of Syracuse has offered us the property at 705 N. Dolan Drive as the site for our new library building. A deed has been drawn up by the Town Attorney, Jay Rigdon, and is in the process of revision, according to the   recommendation of the Library’s Attorney, Steve Snyder.

Environmental Site Assessment Studies, Phase I & II: Done
Possible site clean-up: In process
Michiana Area Council of Governments (MACOG) has provided us a grant to have two Environmental Site Assessment studies completed.

Phase I, completed in February, involved research into the history of the property to determine the likelihood of soil and water contamination at the site.

According to the report, “Past property uses included the Syracuse Fire Department, municipal water pump house, and the municipal wastewater treatment plant and lagoons. Operational equipment associated with these uses could indicate the ‘likely presence of hazardous substances or petroleum products’ as noted in the standard.”

Phase II was completed in July. This study included soil boring and groundwater sampling. The report noted that some elevated levels of arsenic and lead in the groundwater were found, but nothing so drastic as to require action. There is a suspected underground storage tank on the property that will have to be removed if it is determined to be present. We are working with MACOG to see if there is any more funding for that process.

The next steps will be choosing an architect and finding the funding for construction. We have been working with Arkos Design, who did our feasibility study, and they have provided some rudimentary drawings of possible building design and placements on the property.
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We will be working with Baker Tilly for building project funding advice and searching for grants and donations. After we move to the new building, we will sell the old library building, and use the funds to pay down the debt.