Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/109601
Sarasota News Leader February 15, 2013 Page 24 partment, reported the design of the beach im- rector of the county���s library system, told the provements is expected to be completed this commissioners. summer, with construction to start in the fall. It will be located at the southern end of the In working with the Sheriff���s Office about var- mall, next to JC Penney. ious aspects of the plan, she said, staff had learned the Sheriff���s Office preferred to main- The move is necessary for the new, $7.5 miltain a one-way traffic circulation in the park- lion, 25,000-square-foot library to be built on ing lot. The original design called for two-way the same Curtiss Avenue site where the original, 17,200-square-foot library was constructtraffic throughout the park. ed, Kalajian pointed out. The design consultant had evaluated that proposed change and made adjustments, Brown ���Two weeks ago, when I toured the space [in added, which staff will ask the Sheriff���s Office the mall],��� she said on Feb. 8, ���it looked like an empty store.��� When she went back last to review. week, she added, the space had been trans���I think we���re on the right track,��� she said. formed into a library. Additionally, Brown noted, the county ProA ribbon cutting to mark the opening of the curement Department received nine propostemporary facility will include remarks by als in response to its advertisement for a concommissioners, representatives of the Friends struction manager at risk to handle the beach of the Library and library staff, according to a project. (This type of construction manager is news release. responsible for hiring people to do the work and making sure everything adheres to the The engagement of the library���s users in the budget.) A committee is scheduled to review design of the new facility, Kalajian added, ���has those proposals on Feb. 27, she said, and it been one of the true highlights of this project.��� will pare down the list. Those firms remaining in consideration will be asked to present oral Many of the same people came to each of the open houses county staff and the consultants presentations in March, she added. held, she said, and they looked to see whether On Feb. 28, Brown continued, staff will pres- their ideas were reflected in the latest renderent the latest plans for the beach project to ings and plans. residents of the Siesta Isles Association on Kalajian also noted that staff continues ���to Siesta Key. seek out the best practices to serve library ��� Gulf Gate Library: Gulf Gate Library users��� in the new facility. will reopen in its temporary headquarters in Westfield Sarasota Square Mall at 10 a.m. on The library is scheduled to be completed in Wednesday, Feb. 20, Sarabeth Kalajian, di- the spring or early summer of 2014. %