City officials last night debuted at least eight possible temporary sites to fill in for the Main Library during its renovation/construction, depending on whether the building is fixed or completely rebuilt. There were also hints that even more sites are under consideration, and no one site was given a clear endorsement over the others. Which of the sites do you believe will work best?
Undoubtedly, there will be comments saying that none of these sites is any good and the best thing to do is keep the Library open and running. Feel free to include those. Have more pros or cons to add to the list? We want to hear them. But also, consider this question:
Which site will best fill in for the Main Library?
Arranged in no particular order:
501 Pine Ave
501 Pine Ave.
Building Size: 34,000 square feet (SF)
– Walking distance to Civic Center
– Two-story storefront location
– Limited parking
The Arts Building
Location highlighted in blue above
236 E. 3rd Street
24,000 square feet available
– Located on Promenade, within 3 blocks of Library
– Near parking, but no parking as part of building lease
– Space is on ground floor (11,500 SF) and in basement
Current Bank Of America Location
150 Long Beach Blvd.
Building Size: TBD
– Close to Civic Center
– Adequate on-site parking
– Currently in operation as bank branch
Cedar Court Building
245 W. Broadway
Building Size: 32,193 SF
– Across from Main Library
– Can utilize Civic Center parking
– Space is in several separate buildings
City Hall East
100 Long Beach Blvd.
Building Size: Vacant multi-story office building; leasable space to be determined
– New owner interested in temporary lease
– Walking distance to Civic Center
– On-site parking
City Place
Proposed area highlighted in yellow above
Building Size: 15,000-30,000 square feet available
– Located on Pine Avenue in storefront space
– Parking Available behind building
Main Library Lower Level
Building size: TBD (includes Library Administration)
– Library remains in place, with reduced risk
– Parking is available
– Technology and telephones in place
– Space for library services is significantly reduced
Press-Telegram Lofts
600 Long Beach Blvd.
Building Size: TBD
– Existing vacant space, formerly occupied by Press-Telegram
– Walking distance to Civic Center
Vacant Cedar Court Parking Lot
Proposed area highlighted in yellow above
3rd Street and Pacific, SW Corner
Building Size: Temporary structures of approx. 25,000 SF
– 1 block from Civic Center
– Can use Civic Center parking
– May take time to access utilities and set up temporary structures
Temporary Air Structure at the St. Louis Science Center
Temporary library site in Santa Clara
Temporary library site in Santa Clara
Additional sites still under consideration:
Redevelopment lot in West Gateway
Edison Theater
American Hotel