Design workshops set for Hamline-Midway Library

With plans in hand to demolish and replace the Hamline-Midway Branch Library, a detailed focus on design continues. Updated design renderings, the latest floor plans and specific details derived from community input are online.
Demolition of the Hamline Midway library is controversial, as the group Renovate 1558 has sought expansion and reuse of the current structure. A process continues to seek historic designation for the structure. Others contend a new library would provide modern spaces and improved access for all.
Design workshops for Hamline Midway, as well as the West Side Riverview and East Side Hayden Heights libraries, are set for July. Riverview and Hayden Heights are being renovated. Hamline Midway is the largest of the three projects, at more than $8 million.
The Hamline Midway workshop is 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 19 at the library at 1558 W. Minnehaha Ave. Preregistration is required for the 90-minute workshop, and as of Monitor deadline there were fewer than 40 spaces remaining.
Other workshops at 5-6:30 p.m. Monday, July 18 at Riverview, 1 E. George St. and 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 21 at Hayden Heights, 1456 White Bear Ave.
At each workshop, library staff and representatives of LSE Architects will review the results of the second community survey, which ended June 30, and discuss spaces at that library.
LSE Architects will lead attendees through a visual design exercise to continue discussions on the interior and exterior design of the library, including a focus on the look and feel of individual areas in the library.
If people cannot attend the workshop, information will be posted on the library website by July 23.
A third community survey will also be offered online and in hard copy form at libraries later this summer.
All three libraries also have interactive art installations available during library hours throughout the summer. Community members can visit the libraries to participate in an arts experience to make suggestions about future library space. The Artist Cohort, which is part of the community engagement team for the three library projects, has created an interactive art installation on display in each library.
The public is urged to “draw, doodle and dream big” to share ideas as part of the interactive display. They are also urged to share about the communities and cultures in the neighborhood that should be reflected in each library’s design and more.