By Andrea Cordle
Southwest Editor
Many residents in the community are eagerly awaiting construction of the new Grove City Library.
According to those involved, the project is rapidly moving along.
On April 7, Grove City Council held a special meeting where Kevin Kennedy, a project manager with HBM Architects, gave a design update to city and library officials.
Kennedy said when patrons enter the library, there will be new, popular items displayed. The library will feature a corner for children’s activities that could be viewed from Broadway. It will also feature a community living room and reading rooms that look out over downtown Grove City.
“It will be an organic, people-friendly space,” said Kennedy. “We wanted it to flow and be open.”
The new library will also include meeting room space and a technology area.
The features inside the new library were agreeable to most. However, the exterior of the building drew some debate.
According to Kennedy, the building itself will be mostly brick, but the entrance area is all glass.
Councilwoman Laura Lanese said the glass wall is unique and attention grabbing.
Councilman Steve Bennett said the glass wall is too much and not needed. He said not only would it be difficult to maintain, it is too flashy for the Town Center. He also said he has heard from many in the community who agree with him.
“The glass wall says entry,” said Kennedy who said he has received positive feedback on the building’s exterior.
Councilman Jeff Davis said the design is spot on.
“The entrance is on Broadway and it has that wow factor,” he said.
Grove City Mayor Richard “Ike” Stage was concerned about the outside of the building along Grant Avenue. He said that side is mostly brick and the city is expecting new residents in that area.
The city has adopted a plan by Pizzuti that calls for building an apartment complex behind the current City Hall. Stage wants those future tenants to have a nice view of the library. He also said that he wants consistency in the aesthetics of the buildings in the Town Center.
Construction on the library is expected to begin this summer.
The development plan for the library will be discussed at a special Grove City Planning Commission meeting, held at 1:30 p.m. April 22 in the lower level of City Hall. Once the planning commission OKs the project development plan, it will move on to council. Rezoning for the Town Center apartments is also on the commission’s agenda.
