LIBRARY BOARD REVIEWS RENOVATION DESIGNS

  

The Nancy Carol Roberts Library renovations were the big item of discussion Wednesday evening at the Brenham Library Advisory Board meeting.  Representatives from Komatsu Architecture reviewed several interior layout options for the board.  The planned exterior will have a very traditional look to blend with other buildings in Brenham.  Board chairman Keith Herring commented that it would look very similar to the new Alton Elementary School.

Komatsu Architect Les Edmunds said that the only parts of the original structure being retained are the slab, the metal support structure and the roof deck.  The walls, windows, entry ways, and interior will all be new.  The new library will have an open look with lots of natural light.  It will have spaces available for children, genecology, teenagers, study areas, and lots of computer space.  A new room will also be added for small conferences or classes.  Edmunds stated that the new library should be close to the 3 million dollar estimate, but they won’t know for sure until the drawings are reviewed by their engineering department.

The Library board appointed a sub-committee to create a donation process for the renovations and to determine how the donators would be recognized in the new building.  The city has earmarked 1.5 million in bonds for the renovations and the other half of the cost is expected to be covered by private donations.  Komatsu’s Less Edmunds said they are looking to go out for bids on the project in February of 2015 and the move in date for the new library would be in the spring of 2016.