Library project adds accessibility

Grant money from state could help fund project

to link buildings

By RON LARSEN

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Until the state came up with money for public library accessibility projects, there were no specific plans for re-vitalizing the old library building, built in 1935, on the books.

However, when the state recently announced the PLA grants, Kazamm! A plan for a handicap-accessible elevator entrance that would tie the "new" public library building to the old library building emerged.

"We don't know if there's going to be an offer like this again so it was decided that we should consider this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and get our grant application in now," City Manager Brian Gramentz told the City Council at its regular meeting Tuesday night.

The project turns on a $150,000 grant from the state which, if the city gets it, would be the latch holding a $628,900 dual library building construction project together.

At its meeting, the City Council authorized staff to apply for the grant from the Office of Minnesota Library Development Services, Minnesota Department of Education. The rest of the required funding would come from the 1935 Library sinking fund ($293,092) and from the city's cash reserves ($179,808), Gramentz reported.

Construction work on the entry gallery housing the new elevator and interior remodeling in the 1973 building is expected to cost $511,000 while remodeling of the 1935 building will total $73,000. An architect's fee of $45,000, makes a total of $628,900.

The design plan, prepared for the city by koh architects, Mankato, calls for the two buildings to be linked by a three-story entry gallery. The new elevator would have doors that open on either side and could be stopped at any one of five different levels.

Two restrooms on the main level and lower level entry gallery section, when combined with two remodeled restrooms on the lower level of the 1973 library building, will make six available for use in the two buildings.

To accommodate access from the entry gallery on the 1973 library's main floor, the director's office on the north side will be remodeled, and the circulation desk will be remodeled into a circular desk that will welcome patrons as they get off the elevator.

While the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame museum is expected to continue to occupy the 1935 building's lower level, the design plan calls for the building's upper level to be cleared out for the proposed new location for the 1973 library's current children's area.

"It will be kept open so that it can be a multi-use area," Gramentz explained. "When it's not in use for library purposes, then it could be used by community groups who need an open space."