Summary of 6th Community Meeting
BPL & Utile Host 6th Community Meeting May 28, 2025
Sixty-two people attended the virtual meeting with the following agenda:
1. Introductions
2. Schedule and Process
3. Community Meeting Recap
4. Floor Plan Update
5. Interior Design Progress
6. Exterior Design Progress
7. Next Steps
8. Q&A Discussion
The presentation slides and video recording are available on the BPL website, South End Library, South End Branch Project Page https://www.bpl.org/south-end-project/
Here’s a breakdown of segments in the video:
6:42 Introductions completed
7:00 Project schedule chart
10:34 Recap of previous meetings completed
10:37 Review of sustainability initiatives
12:28 Building footprint review
12:32 Review of building program
13:30 Floor plans – entrance details and size included
22:19 Interior design progress
28:14 Exterior design progress including review of proposed signage
32:45 Next steps – construction documentation & bidding process
33:55 Questions & comments
HIGHLIGHTS
We highly recommend you review the slides to see the renderings of the new building which will give you a sense of the design and compatibility with the adjacent streets.
Timeline
After introductions and agenda Brett Bentson of Utile presented the project timeline (slide 5) indicating a twelve-month design phase consisting of Schematic Design, Design Development, and Construction Documentation. We are entering the Construction Documentation part of that phase which will take place over the Fall/Winter of 2025 (slide 36); he estimated 24-30 months to doors opening.
Budget
A FOSEL board member asked about the approval of the city’s capital budget for 2026, which is in process and includes $32.5M for this building project. {On June 9th it was approved by the City Council and the loan orders for the Capital Plan need two votes spread 14 days apart (per the city charter), so the first vote is passed, and the second vote will be on June 25. This info added after the meeting through contact with the City Council.}
Landmarks Commission
The design has been presented to the Landmarks Commission on an advisory basis. It was received positively and Utile was given a homework assignment regarding several details. They expect to return to the Commission in the next few weeks and expressed a desire for community support/advocacy for the design.
Sustainability
The sustainability goal of the building is Leeds Silver Certification which includes being solar ready and using no fossil fuels. Solar panels will not be installed immediately (presumably for budget reasons).
Parking
Due to the building footprint expansion into the alley, there will no longer be staff parking spaces alongside the building. This is the case for many city branch locations and has been accepted by the current library staff. A question arose about people in cars being able to park temporarily on Tremont St to drop off books; this remains an open question.
South End History Collection
In response to a participant question, Priscilla gave a brief update on plans to meet with Paul Wright the lead for the SEHC at the Central Library to discuss plans for the collection. When questioned further, Priscilla indicated it will have a visible presence in the new branch’s adult area, with display possibilities and signage.
Entrance
Several questions and comments were raised about the entrance on Tremont St. Some people expressed satisfaction that the connections to Tremont Street and the park have been achieved. With an eight-foot width to the elevator vestibule and a corresponding entrance from the street, concerns about a potential backup at the elevator seem to be alleviated.
Graphic Elements, Art Gallery, Window Shades, Signage
In answer to a question about mural or graphic elements, we learned the City Art Department is in collaboration with BPL and Utile. Art gallery space inside will be available for temporary exhibits with installed picture rails in the community room. Motorized window shades will be used to help maintain a comfortable environment inside while still providing plenty of natural light. An attendee requested a way to share information with people walking by about what exhibits and art are available inside (in the event we are unable to exhibit Local/Focus through a window).
Library of Things
Regarding a Library of Things, the staff workroom will have storage for various items which will be available at the branch. For more information about what items, contact Priscilla Foley at BPL. pfoley@bpl.org
Compost Bins Location
The location of the compost bins is still being considered; one attendee requested that residents from Rutland and Newton Streets should participate in the decision about the new location.
