Construction to start on new Hamline Midway Library building

The city of Saint Paul has officially started construction on the new Hamline Midway Library building. The general contractor for the project, Stahl Construction, has assembled a team of specialized subcontractors to construct the new building. Construction is expected to take 16-18 months.
In preparation for construction, the city and library salvaged some elements of the former building, like the stone archway and cornerstone, to be incorporated into the new library. The salvaged items were put in storage and removal of the former building was completed in April. Since then, the library has worked with Department of Safety and Inspection, Public Works, Office of Financial Services, and Parks and Recreation, and the architect team to complete the permitting process required to break ground.
Stahl Construction will begin by surveying the site to prepare for the installation of utilities, like a geothermal heating and cooling system, and laying the building’s foundation.

The Hamline Midway Library opened in 1930 after a major effort by neighbors to secure funding. It was one of two original Henry Hale Memorial Branch libraries, and it is on the National Register of Historical Places.