New Joplin Public Library plans to be on display during open houses

(From the City of Joplin)

Citizens are invited to view the plans for the new Joplin Public Library as progress continues in the relocation and development of this facility to the northeast corner of 20th and Connecticut Streets. Two Open House meetings are set for Wednesday, April 29 at the current Library location, 300 Main Street. The first session is set for 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and the second will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Both meetings will have the Library plans displayed for the public to view.

Architect for the project is SAPP Design Associates (SDA) of Springfield, Mo., and OPN Architects of Cedar Rapids, Iowa has been added to their team for this project. Representatives from both firms, along with Library staff, will be available during these sessions.
In the past few weeks, SDA and OPN conducted several meetings with Library stakeholder groups, including patrons, board members, educators, businesses and other interested community members to gain input on services offered by the Library, as well as general comments about architectural designs.

Jacque Gage, Library Director, has been pleased with the process, and encourages the public to come and learn more about this new facility. “This has been a true collaborative effort with the community, and we want the residents to see the plans and the next phase we’ll be moving into as we develop the new Library,” she said. “After hearing from our patrons, staff has been able to determine good locations for some of the key services, as well as start planning some possible new ideas to implement in the new facility.”

SDA officials noted OPN brings added depth to the planning process, as well as their special appreciation for a city in recovery, as OPN was selected for the planning and design of the new Cedar Rapids library after it was destroyed by devastating floods in 2008.

The Library project is a partnership with the Economic Development Administration, which awarded the City a $20 million grant to assist in the redevelopment of the 20th Street area following the 2011 disaster. The project will include site infrastructure repairs and improvements, as well as the new facility. It is a matching grant from EDA of 80% to 20% City resources, the City will fund $5 million of the project, which includes the land value of property that the City owns at 20th and Connecticut.

TriState Engineering of Joplin is currently working on civil site design, and construction is planned for fall 2015.