(From Joplin Public Library)
Many may not notice daily changes to new Joplin Public Library construction site as they drive by the intersection of 20th and Connecticut Avenue, however the public will see the work completed when viewing a time-lapse video on the internet.
While planning the new facility, Library and City staff agreed that a camera on the construction site would not only enhance safety, but could provide a historical perspective of work being completed on the building for all to follow. During the ground-breaking ceremony in September 2015, close to 400 people came out to support the initial effort, and the group hopes to build on that excitement and anticipation of this nearly 58,000 square-foot facility.
“Joplin citizens have had a lot of interest in our new facility, and rightfully so” said Library Director Jacque Gage. “The Library is a community building. It’s their building. We want to share this process with our citizens so they can see the various stages of construction and the work going into what we believe to a beautiful asset to the center of Joplin.”
To view the Library construction site, go to www.joplinpubliclibrary.org and click on the “camera link” noted in the second paragraph. There is also more information about the Library on the New Building page of their site. Viewers will see a current picture of the worksite, and can view a time-lapse video by clicking on the “Time Lapses” button on the left side menu, and then clicking on the “Watch Time-Lapse” button on the bottom of the page. R.E. Smith, general contractor for the project, installed the camera and is hosting the site for viewers to watch their progress. A direct link is provided at the end of this article.
Sitting on a six-acre site, the Library will offer accessibility to all guests, outdoor event spaces and reading areas, drive-up book drop, larger children and teen areas, larger meeting rooms, and additional parking. Patrons will also have additional technology for services, which was a requested item during public input sessions. Makerspaces for creative, do-it-yourself projects, will be added to the facility. This may include simple craft supplies and tools to advanced software programs and digital media conversion equipment. The newly renovated Post Art Library will be co-located here as well. Grand Opening is planned for spring 2017.
Parking for the facility has grown to 170 spaces, an addition of 110 parking spaces from their former location. An onsite Trolley stop and a connection to the local trail system offers easy access to the building from other places around town.
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 of 80% EDA funds to 20% City resources. The City will fund an additional $5 million for the project, which includes the land value of property that the City owns at 20th and Connecticut.
To view time lapse video of Library construction..
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