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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCP201300001 Attachment DAttachment D Additional Detail on Proposed Library Use The County contracted with an architectural firm in early 2013 to complete a "test fit" or adaptive use study for a public library in vacant facility on parcel 61 -120K. The firm, Heyward Boyd Architects, PC, found that the facility and space is an appropriate size for the County to consider for use as a public library. The building located on parcel 61 -120K was built in 1989 and is a "hybrid" pre- engineered building with interior construction of steel with the roof and sides finished in sheet steel. The building contains roughly 58,000 gross square feet of space which includes a main floor of approximately 30,000 sq. ft., a mezzanine of 3,800 sq. ft. and a full basement. Space standards for public libraries have been established in a 2009 publication by the Library of Virginia, "Planning for Library Excellence: Standards for Virginia Public Libraries ". In that document libraries are graded into levels of service as A, AA, and AAA, with A being the minimum acceptable standard and AAA being the highest quality standard. Library sizing is also based on the population served by the following four categories: 25,000 and under, 25,000 to 100,000, 100,000 to 500,000 and over 500,000. Albemarle County has previously opted for the AA standard. Library sizing is also based on the population served. For an AA standard library with a population the size of Albemarle's (101,575 as of 2012), the total gross square footage per resident is 0.7 square feet per resident. This planning ratio is reflected in the Library standards for the current Comprehensive Plan (community facilities section) and that of the draft Comprehensive Plan currently under review. A 2001 study the James Madison Regional Library System recommended two library branches to meet the County's long -term library needs - a new Northside library and a similarly sized one in the Development Areas south of 1 -64. These needs are also reflected in the current and draft Comprehensive Plan. To ensure that enough space was available for a possible public library, the consultant made some assumptions on facilities and spaces needed. Some of the assumptions made include: That the facility will include adequate natural light and ventilation and conform to modern energy expectations (LEED or LEED like). Mechanical systems and building envelope should be sympathetic to LEED and Energy Star standards for energy consumption. Materials should be consistent with County Comprehensive Plan goals for sustainability. The building and site should be ADA complaint, although non -ADA parking areas may require some accommodation from current County slope standards. Where possible and practical, the site should be modified to reflect County water management goals. Although this site was developed at a time when water management and grading standards were different. Spaces provided in the new library similar to those of the new Crozet Library include: Separate collections for children, teens and adults. At the request of JMRL, the children's area is located near the entry and open to the rest of the library. Study rooms within the library. There are study rooms along the western wall and a small meeting room within the library. A variety of spaces and space types for reading and study. All of the reading spaces are located on the main level. Generous computer space and computer connections. Meeting rooms for the public with toilets nearby. The meeting rooms have storage for chairs and table. A small catering kitchen, similar to the Crozet kitchen is included. A staff area for processing books, staff meetings, and other clerical functions. The staff lounge contains a small staff toilet. Features planned for the new Northside Library that are different from Crozet include: Crozet has one community meeting room and a smaller meeting room within the library. The test -fit design has two community meetings rooms, both of which can be divided. The larger meeting room can seat 75 -80 people. This requires a second fire exit which exists to the exterior on the western wall. Unlike Crozet, the Northside meeting rooms can operate while the library is closed. This will allow neighborhood and community groups to meet after hours or allow meeting to extend beyond a regular closing hour. The "lobby area" also connects to the lower level and mezzanine via elevator and stair. This will permit the mezzanine to have hours that are not dependent on library hours. It also provides ADA access to the lower level for auctions. The design includes a room dedicated to videography. It is located near the teen area. This room could possibly be utilized by seniors in the early portions of the day and by teens in the late afternoon and evening after school ends. This building contains a mezzanine which will house the library branch manager and library technical staff. The basement shows a small area for the bookmobile. This will require that one new roll - up door be installed in the basement wall. Code requirements to allow parking below occupied space will need to be clarified with the County Building Official.