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The Calgary Municipal Land Corporation has announced that the City's highly anticipated New Central Library is now just 12 months away from opening. The master developer of the Snøhetta-designed facility has been keeping a close eye on the construction progress, with the modern building becoming weather-tight at the end of September. Since then, crews have concentrated their efforts on the "fit and finish" of the interiors to bring the diverse study spaces to life.
"Over the next year — the final year of a construction program that officially broke ground in May 2014 — the finishing elements of the building will come together," said Michael Brown, CMLC president and CEO. "From the completion of the library's interior spaces, to the furniture choices and public art installations, to the selection of a food and beverage operator, it's all about ensuring the new building accommodates a vast variety of programming needs and delivers a library experience for Calgarians that exceeds the expectations of the Calgary Public Library and City of Calgary."
In addition to putting the final touches on the organization's fledgling masterpiece, the Calgary Public Library team will focus on integrating the facility into the broader library network. Janet Hutchinson, chair of the Calgary Public Library Board of Directors, says that staff will be conducting trial periods throughout the library system to test enhanced customer service processes, refine program offerings, and evaluate various furniture pieces.
With exterior glazing application largely complete and wood soffit adding a warm touch to the complex, work has shifted to the interiors, where doors are being installed, and carpet is being laid. Out of the $245 million building program, $21 million has been allocated to furnishings. The budget includes funds for staff and public furniture, all audio and visual equipment, computers, shelves, materials, and signage. In total, there are over 2,200 chairs and seats, 446 tables, and 30 bookable meeting rooms being coordinated.
"Calgary's east end is rising, and evolving into a cultural and entertainment district unlike anywhere else in the City," said Mayor Naheed Nenshi. "You needn't look further than East Village to see how strategic placemaking efforts can transform a neighbourhood and now the stage has been set to create a downtown district pulsing with culture, entertainment and innovation. And in this picture of Calgary's Cultural & Entertainment District, the New Central Library has a starring role."
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