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The community did not learn of SPPL leadership plans to propose demolition and rebuild of the Hamline Midway Library until an in-person meeting was held in March of last year. SPPL’s public engagement prior to that meeting was a broad visioning exercise to imagine the future of the entire library system. Never once in this process did SPPL leadership ask whether the community favored renovation and expansion of the library or demolition and rebuild. This year, there have been only two events regarding the future of the library and a survey. Not enough time to truly engage the community.

As for the ongoing assertion that the library is in poor condition justifying demolition, an internal 2017 condition assessment report noted that the foundation, ba*****t construction, Superstructure, pedestrian paving, parking lots, interior painted plaster, ceiling, floor finishes, roof and more were in good condition, however repairs were needed where water intrusion was evident. In March of 2020, a contractor (RSI) performed an assessment of the exterior/interior wall conditions, focusing on water intrusion and deemed it fixable. In 2021, the consultant hired by SPPL confirmed that the moisture problems and exposed rebar were fixable. That same year, Advanced Masonry Restoration submitted a bit for repairs.

And why isn't anyone talking about the devastation in the environment that occurs with a demolition and rebuild option? Retrofitting existing building, in part or as a whole, should be prioritized and not ignored as this is typically the lowest-carbon option. There is nothing green about demo for decades.

From: What do you think?

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