Community Library Update

Published: 12/16/2005

I have been receiving a number of questions about the new library facility and thought I would provide an update on the project status. We are now approximately ten months from the Grand Opening that will coincide with the weekend of Pittsford Celebrates scheduled for September 17.

The structural pre-cast concrete elements were completed in November and since that time the concrete block is close to being finished. At this point you can begin to see the shape of the new building.

Currently, the contractors are working on the chimney-like end cap that gives this building its distinctive look. The structural steel for the front entranceway has now been erected and really helps to finalize what the front of the building will look like.

Once the exterior masonry block is in place, insulation will be installed followed by additional masonry work including red brick, water table, lintels and sills. Construction crews will start work on the mansard roof that when complete will provide an internal hidden space containing all the building mechanical equipment. Concurrent with all of this progress, windows and doors will be installed which will finish off most of the exterior work.

Work has already begun on the library interior. Workers have installed metal studs on the first floor and are close to completing that portion of the building that is on the right hand side as you look at it. The left hand side contains the meeting room in the back and the commercial space in the front.

Speaking of the commercial space, we have begun the process of interviewing prospective businesses for this 2,500 square foot retail space. We are looking for a restaurant that will be a good fit for the Library and the Village. We are thrilled with the strong interest we have seen and we are striving to make a final decision by the end of the year or first part of next year so the retailer will be in position to open with us in September.

Once the building's exterior is complete, the focus will be entirely on the interior of the facility. Metal studs need to be completed on both floors and then the dry wall installed. From there, they will complete the detail trim work, paint and wallpaper and lay the carpeting. Sounds easy but there will be a lot of work involved in the finishes.

One of the questions that has come up is the size of the building. It is a large building, but if you look at the front you will note that it does not have a straight line. Instead it is angled at some points to reduce the mass of the front elevation. The detail of the brick and eventual landscaping will also soften the appearance.

Additionally, the front will be broken into functional spaces. The left side of the entrance will be designated commercial that will have a look that is compatible with the Village retail area featuring tall front windows and a front patio area for outside seating. The entry way juts out from the face of the main building to provide a clearly defined entrance. To the right of the entry way is the Library, which at the present time, is marked by large rectangular openings covered in plastic and includes the large area that has not been overlaid with concrete block. All of these areas will have a lot of windows that will help provide a further softening of the building.

Municipal buildings tend to make a statement in their communities. They are often taller and larger than surrounding properties and are an architectural expression. Look at the context of Town Hall as compared to the adjacent buildings. I am sure that when it was constructed it seemed to be a pretty massive structure. However, to us now, it fits naturally.

The other question that I have heard is about the proximity of the building to the front of the property. The location of the building is consistent with the Village's Comprehensive Plan that seeks to have a consistent front line with the other buildings on the street. You may be interested to know that there used to be a three-story hotel on this site and the front foundation that we found is very consistent with the location of the new Library.

A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to climb up to the second floor with Marjorie Shelly, our Library Director and some of my staff. We were amazed at the views from this location. To the back, you look out to the Erie Canal, Schoen Place and the Powers Farm that is one of the farms we protected with the Greenprint. On the east side of the building you are able to look down to the State Street Bridge and up South Street until the road bends. Spectacular views.

It is hard to believe that by this time next year the Library will be open. We have lots of work ahead of us and are confident that we will have a quality structure when all is said and done. Coupled with that, we know that there is a lot of excitement that residents have for the new Library as well as a high level of expectation of the services that will be delivered. We recognize your expectations and are working to provide the very best Library possible.

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