For Immediate Release: Monday, August 30, 2010
A new chapter in the continuing redevelopment of downtown Silver Spring began today when local officials joined with community members and library advocates to break ground for the multi-story building that will house the new Silver Spring Library, offices and other amenities.
Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett, County Council President Nancy Floreen, Council Vice President Valerie Ervin who represents District 5, which includes downtown Silver Spring, and Maryland’s 4th District Congresswomen Donna Edwards joined Montgomery County Public Libraries Director Parker Hamilton and Dept. of General Services Director David Dise, plus library staff and supporters, and community members in the ceremony marking the beginning of site construction on the project located at the corner of Wayne Ave. and Fenton St.
The building is designed to create an open, inviting environment, with convenient public access. The library will be part of the mixed-use public facility and transit stop and will serve as a cultural landmark. Designed by The Lukmire Partnership, Inc., the project will be a Silver LEED building.
“This groundbreaking is a celebration of a new chapter in the re-development of Silver Spring,” said Leggett. “The community here has waited a long time for a new library, and one of my top priorities as County Executive has been to make this day happen as soon as possible. I share your excitement.”
In addition to the library that will occupy three floors, the building will also house a coffee bar and an art store, gallery, offices and classrooms for Pyramid Atlantic, a Silver Spring-based nonprofit dedicated to the creation and appreciation of handmade paper, printmaking, digital arts, and the art of the book. Plans call for the County’s Dept. of Health and Human Services to also have offices in the building. Large and small public meeting rooms would also occupy one floor. “Green” roofs will be located on the top level and at the entry pavilion roof that will be visible from the children’s floor.
The new library will include print and non-print collections for adults, children, and teens on separate floors, large and small meeting rooms, group study and/or tutor rooms, a computer lab and an early literacy area for parents and young children.
"The Silver Spring Library will be the heart and soul of this community and will reflect the value residents place on literacy, education, culture and freedom," said Council Vice President Ervin. "I am delighted that the new Silver Spring Library will become a hub for community life in downtown Silver Spring. I look forward to visiting often."
The site will also serve as a light rail stop on the future Purple Line. A multi-story, mixed-income rental apartment building developed by a private contractor will be constructed on the Bonifant Street side of the site.
“This is indeed a very special day for the Library Department and for the Silver Spring Community, especially the members of the Library Advisory Committee and the Friends of the Library whose advocacy has ensured that the construction of the new library stayed first and foremost in the County’s plans,” said MCPL Director Hamilton.
“I’m particularly pleased with the support and participation we have received in the last few years from Silver Spring residents as we revised the Program of Requirements, then discussed the site and design plans for the building,” Hamilton noted. “I’m looking forward to the day four years from now when we will be standing here for the ribbon cutting ceremony that will open our world-class Silver Spring Library.”
Site construction, including undergrounding and relocation of utility lines will begin immediately and take about 10 months.
More information on the project is available online at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/neighborhoodprojects and through the Building Projects link on the MCPL website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library.
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Media contact: Bonnie Ayers, 240-777-6507
Library contacts: Rita Gale, 240-777-0022; Michele Sellars, 240-777-0196