Top Architects Lining Up To Design New Library
Facility Scheduled To Open in Spring 2003
Some world-renowned architectural firms are putting in their bids to design the new main library.
A building similar to the Cleveland Public Library could soon become a part of Jacksonville's downtown.
The structure was created by Hardy Holzman, a man who responded to the city's call to design a new main library.
Eyewitness News' Dan Evans reports that Holzman is just one of nine award-winning architects from around the world who replied to the city's beckon.
"I think it's a good testament for Jacksonville," Mayor John Delaney says. "We're now being considered a cultural center."
Jacksonville set aside $95 million from the Better Jacksonville Plan to build a new main library, a building that will define the city's educational and cultural hub for the next 50 years.
"What we have said for some time is (that) Jacksonville never again should build a second-rate building," Delaney says. "Let's do it first-class."
Evans reports that the new library will stand one block east of Hemming Plaza. It will have six to seven floors and the design of surrounding structures will be incorporated into the new building.
Evans reports that the Jacksonville Museum of Modern Art has to be worked into the plan, so that it can stay on the site.
The next step is for the city to choose up to five of the nine architects for a design competition. Officials must name a winner by October.
The new library is slated to open in the spring of 2003. The city wants public input about what should be placed inside the library.
Officials are hosting a community workshop for residents to share their areas. It will be held at the Prime Osborn Convention Center on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Copyright 2003 by News4Jax.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
A building similar to the Cleveland Public Library could soon become a part of Jacksonville's downtown.
The structure was created by Hardy Holzman, a man who responded to the city's call to design a new main library.
Eyewitness News' Dan Evans reports that Holzman is just one of nine award-winning architects from around the world who replied to the city's beckon.
"I think it's a good testament for Jacksonville," Mayor John Delaney says. "We're now being considered a cultural center."
Jacksonville set aside $95 million from the Better Jacksonville Plan to build a new main library, a building that will define the city's educational and cultural hub for the next 50 years.
"What we have said for some time is (that) Jacksonville never again should build a second-rate building," Delaney says. "Let's do it first-class."
Evans reports that the new library will stand one block east of Hemming Plaza. It will have six to seven floors and the design of surrounding structures will be incorporated into the new building.
Evans reports that the Jacksonville Museum of Modern Art has to be worked into the plan, so that it can stay on the site.
The next step is for the city to choose up to five of the nine architects for a design competition. Officials must name a winner by October.
The new library is slated to open in the spring of 2003. The city wants public input about what should be placed inside the library.
Officials are hosting a community workshop for residents to share their areas. It will be held at the Prime Osborn Convention Center on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Copyright 2003 by News4Jax.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
