U/C KPL Central Library Renovation | 12 m | 3 fl

[Drake]

Not sure who here has used the underground parking at this location yet. I parked there today and found it underwhelming. First thing I noticed was signs for barrier free parking. I apparently didn't get the memo that barrier free parking means handicapped parking everywhere else. Not sure if this naming is used elsewhere but I found it confusing.

Second, the ramps between levels are very narrow. They expect traffic to travel in both directions on ramps that can only accommodate one car width! A car and a half if you are generous. If you see the ramp between P1 and P2 you will understand. There is nowhere to pull to the side and let another vehicle go by either.

I also found the paring layout to be odd. There seems to be lots of wasted space somehow. The area underground is a fair size but looks like it should hold more cars than it currently does.

Finally I know this is a work in progress but findng the machine to actually pay for the parking was very difficult if yoU are not here for the library.

I am hoping to see some improvements when it is finished, but I really think they blew it on the ramps.

[KevinL]

The main thing to remember about the garage is that it's currently only half its final size; they're currently excavating the other side. I don't know much about its interior layout, but it may well be that there will be a second set of ramps installed there which would allow each set to be unidirectional. Anyone know any more details?

[UrbanWaterloo]

August 24, 2012

[The Comeback Kid]

It's really coming together! I haven't been by in ages... looks like it's time to pack up the Fam and watch some construction!

[UrbanWaterloo]

December 3, 2012

[panamaniac]

Although understandable give the state of the police budget, it seems unfortunate that the underground parking was not extended to the police station parking area - the whole space between the library, police station and old prison wall would make a very nice plaza.

[Drake]

Although understandable give the state of the police budget, it seems unfortunate that the underground parking was not extended to the police station parking area...

I am sure the library renovation didn't come out of the library budget

[panamaniac]

True. Perhaps only in time, but some day I would love to see the Region and the City working to eliminate the surface parking at the corner of Weber and Frederick, behind the police station, inside the gaol walls and in front of he Gaol Governor's house. I think it could be a beautiful area.

[panamaniac]

From today's Record:

Terry Pender, Record staff Thu Dec 27 2012 19:48:00




Central library’s new wing to open in January

Construction superintendent Domenic Trichilo (right) and library CEO Sonia Lewis, whown here in August, check the progress of the expansion of the Kitchener Public Library main branch.
Mathew McCarthy/Record staff file photo




KITCHENER — The new wing at the central library on Queen Street North should be packed with books and open to the public by mid-January, while extensive renovations begin on the original building.

That was supposed to happen in mid-November. The milestone was pushed back by delays to the $40-million project that greatly expands the main branch, adds an underground parking garage and transforms the existing 51-year-old building into a model of 21st century efficiency and accessibility.

“It’s just a very, very complex project,” said Sonia Lewis, the library’s chief executive officer. “We want to do it right.”

http://www.therecord.com/news/local/...pen-in-january

[SP!RE]

What's this looking like now, folks?

[UrbanWaterloo]

February 6, 2013

[Scribbler]

It took UrbanWaterloo 10,000 words (or 10 pictures) -- after that I think I can sum it up in just one: Incredible!

[UrbanWaterloo]

Main Library - Temporary Closure
Kitchener Public Library | Link

Due to construction, the Main Library will TEMPORARILY CLOSE on February 20, 2013 for approximately three weeks.

This closure is to accommodate the temporary relocation of all Main Library operations into our completed Central Library addition so that renovation work can begin on the original library building.

All other KPL locations will remain open as usual.

During the temporary closure, Main Library collections will not be available for borrowing or reservation. However, as an
accommodation, the loan period for borrowed Main Library materials has been extended. Materials can still be returned
to the Main Library via the exterior book drop during the closure. Main Library customers will be individually contacted
regarding their holds pickup options.

During this temporary closure, we invite Main Library users to drop by one of our four Community Libraries. Each of our four Community Libraries has extensive collections . . . and free parking! Borrowed items may be returned to any KPL location.

During the temporary closure of the Main Library, Sunday service will be available at our Forest Heights Community Library. Sunday service will begin at the Forest Heights Library on Sunday, February 24th. Sunday service will resume at the Central Library once we re-open in the new addition later in March.

New Central Library Addition - Temporary Access

Once the Main Library re-opens in the new addition, the public entrance and book return will temporarily be re-located off Ahrens Street for the remainder of our renovation work.

Hourly parking is available in the completed first phase of the underground parking garage, with access via Queen Street. Direct elevator and stairwell access from the new underground parking garage into the new library addition will also be available. Metered parking is available along Ahrens and Roy Streets, with some accessible surface parking at the corner of Ahrens and Queen Streets.

[panamaniac]

I'm a bit puzzled about the second floor addition on the Ahrens St side of the library. Will the work begin only after the original library has been renovated, does anyone know?

[KevinL]

I'm a bit puzzled about the second floor addition on the Ahrens St side of the library. Will the work begin only after the original library has been renovated, does anyone know?

Above the current children's department? I understand that's all in Phase 2 (the renovation starting in 3 weeks).

[benton]

looks good and i will be going to see it once it's finished. last time i went was probably more than 10yrs ago.

[KevinL]

Opened this morning!



Glorious high ceilings on the second floor.



The stonework of the old south wall has been retained (those drywall panels are temporary until Phase 2 is done).



Speaking of Phase 2, the front end is already busily under way...

[panamaniac]

I am looking forward to seeing the result of blowing out the wall of windows of the reading room. On the one hand, I like the idea of an expanded space and the fact that the original stone wall will be preserved. On the other, I am not sure how the "glass box" in front of the current wall is going to look. I will be hoping for the best.

[MikeeJ]

Opened this morning!



Glorious high ceilings on the second floor.



The stonework of the old south wall has been retained (those drywall panels are temporary until Phase 2 is done).



Speaking of Phase 2, the front end is already busily under way...

Holy moly...I sure hope that awfull looking wood deck is only temp. I would not even use that design on a deck...it should be glass and metal to match the interior one....

[Lens]

Holy moly...I sure hope that awfull looking wood deck is only temp. I would not even use that design on a deck...it should be glass and metal to match the interior one....

It is temporary, the main entrance on Queen st will be back in use once the original library is done being renovated.