Murray Wood: A party 100 years in the making
Murray Wood and a couple of hundred others attended a birthday party on the weekend for a woman who turned 100, and cele...
The Saskatoon Public Library (SPL) has now sent out a request for proposals (Sept. 8) to hire a prime design consultant. It’s the next step to eventually replace the ageing Frances Morrison Public Library in downtown Saskatoon.
Deadline for applications is Oct. 6 and the successful candidate may be chosen by the end of the month. According to the plan so far, the concept design should be finished by May 2021, with construction beginning in May 2023.
Along with that public tender notice are detailed plans on the scope of the project, budget, time schedule and a “Functional Program” detailing what should be included in the building.
Features
According to the Functional Program, a large, central, natural light atrium along with a large concourse and central staircase will allow access to all levels of the building. In the entrance area, there will be a large retail kiosk, cafe and a signature green/plant wall.
The building is expected to be three or four floors, with the possibility of a partial basement area. There will be elevator access to floors rather than escalators.
A 200-seat theatre will be included, with a stage and backstage space, and tiered flooring. The children’s portion of the library will also include a 100-seat theatre. The areas can be used for recitals, seminars, smaller musical events, author readings and amateur theatrical productions.
There will be a large programming room for up to 100 people and a smaller one for up to 50 people. A culinary centre will have a demonstration kitchen and will also be used for catering purposes.
On the top floor of the library will be a dedicated “Indigenous Learning Circle Reconciliation Space,” and possibly an area for specialized local history collections and an art gallery.
The outside of the building is expected to “visually embody local First Nation & Métis identity (its traditions and culture) and express the aspirations of the Saskatoon community as a whole,” and will feature natural and local materials including wood and stone. Some of the inspirations for the future design are noted – like the Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre in Saskatoon, Wanuskewin Heritage Park, and the First Nations University in Regina- among others across the country.
There will also be bike parking outside, staff and patron parking and multipurpose outdoor spaces.
Environmental Features and Accessibility
The goal of the New Central Library (NCL) is also to be a “model of sustainability.”
Solar panels will be installed on the building while incorporating opportunities for natural ventilation, cooling and light.
The hope is that at least some of the wastewater (greywater) used in the building can be re-used or re-purposed for local irrigation.
A variety of patrons with varying levels of mobility are expected to use the building, so hallways and public spaces are to include people with special needs including those who need to use lifts or mobility devices like wheelchairs, crutches and walkers.
Location and Budget
The new building will be located at 321 2nd Avenue North between 24th Street East and 25th Street East, and will be about 136,000 sq. ft.
The total cost of the project is expected to be about $134 million, down from an earlier estimate of $154 million.
The actual building construction part of the project is budgeted at $75.85 million, including a $3.1 million contingency.
