The Normal Public Library is working with OPN Architects to look at possible designs for a new public library to the south of Uptown Normal. The proposed project area came from Farr Associates as part of the Uptown 2.0 Master Plan, but no plans have been set in stone to build a library at that location
Bradd Brown, Principal at OPN Architects, says a library in uptown could be an anchor or destination based on others built in urban settings.
“They’re different than libraries of the past, and they bring a lot of people to the building for community events, for activities, for traditional library services.”
Brown says the big issue with designing the library is parking.
“It needs to have some measure of on-site parking that’s dedicated to the library, but I do think some of it could be in a parking ramp if it’s designed appropriately and has a really good connection the library."
When high speed rail comes to Normal, there may be as many as two trains per hour, but Brown says designers could find ways to reduce the noise.
“We just have to be smart about where we position spaces within the building.”
OPN Architects used the Uptown 2.0 library plan as a design challenge at the Library Journal Design Institute program in Nashville before bringing it to meetings with library staff, the Normal Library Board, the Normal Town Council, and the public. The designers presented ideas and received feedback from the groups, working with Library Director Brian Chase to encourage public involvement in coming up with design ideas.
The future of the plan isn’t clear, but Chase says the Library Planning Committee is getting together more frequently to talk about it. “I anticipate we’ll get together soon, talk about these meetings, and figure out how to best move forward.”