Future Southwest Branch Library

Southwest Branch Library

Location

The new 21,000-square-foot Library will sit on approximately five acres of property on the Southwest corner of the Batchelor Middle School grounds at 900 W. Gordon Pike, west of the South Rogers Street and West Gordon Pike roundabout. Read the related forestry study.

 

Current Status

We are currently awaiting the results of our minor subdivision and preliminary plat request from the County. In the meantime, Matheu Architects, PC has completed schematic designs (a preliminary schematic is seen to the right) and is working on design development plans.

 

Future Timeline

  • January–February 2021: Approval of subdivision and property recording
  • January–February 2021: Purchase land from Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC)
  • January–March 2021: Finalize interior finishes and design development
  • March–July 2021: Complete construction documents
  • Summer 2021: Seek bond approval for branch construction (at current tax rate)
  • Summer 2021: Seek construction bid
  • Early Fall 2021: Agree to contract for construction
  • Early Fall 2021: Sell construction bond
  • Fall 2021–22: Branch construction
  • Fall 2022: Tentative branch opening

 

History

  • In April 2018, the Library Board of Trustees approved hiring Matheu Architects, PC for a branch planning study. Our recent strategic direction planning process validated the community's need and desire for an additional branch.
     
  • In the summer of 2018, conversations between the Library, Matheu Architects, PC, and a number of community leaders and stakeholders informed a general Southwest location of this potential third facility. The Southwest portion of the county is the largest growing area in terms of residential growth and population, is an underserved area for library services, and is one of the few available and viable land areas.
     
  • In September 2018, many Southwest-area residents participated in scheduled community conversations to provide input into a new Southwest Branch Library. Additionally, over 800 Monroe County residents provided feedback via a survey, email, or by phone.
     
  • In February 2019, Matheu Architects, PC's branch planning study was presented to and unanimously approved by the Library Board of Trustees at which point, we began discussions with its real estate broker. Operational costs would be funded without impact on the two current Library branches and construction costs funded without any anticipated increase in tax rates.
     
  • In Summer 2019, Matheu Architects, PC was hired to design the new branch. The company was selected based on proven qualifications and project experience.
     

  • In Fall 2019, a potential site was identified and discussions began to take place. Additionally, budget and potential funding options were identified.

  • In December 2019, the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County awarded the Library a grant for equipment, appliances, and supplies to establish a 600-square foot teaching kitchen in the future Southwest Branch Library.

  • In March 2020, the Library Board of Trustees and the Monroe County Community School Corporation Board (MCCSC) approved a purchase for sale agreement for an approximately 5-acre property on the Southwest corner of the Batchelor Middle School site at 900 W. Gordon Pike.

  • In Summer 2020, we began the development of a required site and county subdivision plan.

  • In September 2020, Hoosier Forestry Consultants, LLC performed a timber area review of the land, detailed in this report. The Library Board of Trustees selected and approved a building footprint and siting option.

  • In November 2020, we submitted the required site and county subdivision plan to the County.

 

Media Coverage

Updated January 19, 2021