By JAMES BROWN
Glasgow News 1
Public meeting attendees had a chance to help shape the next chapter of Mary Wood Weldon Memorial Library in Glasgow during a community forum on Thursday night.
Architect Chris Cottongim with 5253 Design Group led the session, which focused on the future of the library building and possible changes to better serve the public. The meeting was the first step in a larger feasibility study for the library, Cottongim explained after the meeting.
He said the immediate goal is to develop a building program based on what community members want to see in any renovations or additions. Those attending the forum were invited to offer ideas about physical changes and features they would like included in the library’s space.
Cottongim wrote those ideas on large sheets of paper on an easel at the front of the meeting room. About 50 people packed into the room to pitch their ideas.
The architect said that once the building program is in place, his team will work on schematic floor plans and elevations to put a preliminary design together. As part of the same feasibility study, they will also prepare a projected construction budget to show what it would cost to carry out the work.
At the same time, library staff and the board of trustees will study how to pay for any potential project.
Cottongim and the 5253 Design Group were involved the last time the library undertook a major renovation. That project included moving into its present location off South Green Street near the intersection with S. L. Rogers Wells Boulevard into a former bank building. Those renovations and the move were completed in 2009.
Listen to the audio below. Cottongim walks through the next steps in the project.
Key Facts
• Architect Chris Cottongim of 5253 Design Group led a public forum on April 30 in Glasgow
• Meeting focused on potential renovations and additions to Mary Wood Weldon Memorial Library
• Community members offered ideas on physical changes and features for the building
• Input will shape a building program, schematic designs and a construction budget
• Feasibility study is expected to be finished in about three to four months
• Final recommendations will be presented to the library board for a decision
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