The Common Council heard a briefing by Madison Public Library Board President Tripp Widder on the Central Library redevelopment project Tuesday.
Widder said the fact that the Central Library is located only blocks away from the Capitol and the Overture Center downtown makes it an excellent location that deserves remodeling.
""[The library] is at a virtual cultural arts ground zero,"" Widder said.
The proposed renovations to the library, according to supporters, are set to be environmentally friendly because they no longer involve the construction of a new building.
""It can be the greenest of buildings because we will be reusing the superstructure of the building,"" Widder said.
Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said he worried the board would have difficulties raising money from the community because the library will only be a renovation rather than a new building. Widder, however, was optimistic.
""I am hopeful that we will have every bit or more excitement with a renovation as we would have with a new building. There will be a new library that will engage the community; this will make fundraising easier,"" Widder said.
The board was originally working with the investment group Fiore Companies on plans for a new building, but negotiations fell apart between the city and the company.
""If the city is going to take all the construction risk, then what use is there for Fiore?"" Widder said.
When Ald. Judy Compton, District 16, asked whether there would be costs associated with backing out of the proposal with Fiore, Widder said Fiore had no plans to request any compensation.
Andrew Statz, fiscal efficiency auditor for the mayor's office, said construction should start quickly to save costs.
""Construction prices will go up. By moving forward now, we can take advantage of low construction bids and create jobs,"" Statz said.
Widder said he stressed that the time for renovation is now and there is no time to lose.
""The stars are aligned that if we move quickly, we can end up with a better facility with less cost,"" he said.
