New Library Project Update: Advanced Building Designs and Sustainability Plans
Over the last several months, the 12-member Library Building Committee has been working diligently with Town Officials, Town Staff, Friar Architects & HBM Architects, and construction contractors to design Manchester’s 21st Century Public Library in the heart of Downtown Main Street.
The new library project is progressing with exciting advancements for both interior and exterior design elements. While the designs are subject to further refinement, the architectural vision showcases a spectacular structure, incorporating community feedback on the initial designs to create a welcoming space for reading, learning, connection, and conversation.
The 70,000 square foot, three-story structure includes ample space for Manchester’s robust collection of books and materials, lively and engaging areas for children of all ages, dedicated interactive teen space, makerspace and audio-visual studio, private study and meeting rooms, and a large community meeting space.
“In November 2022, Manchester voters overwhelmingly approved the construction of a 21st-century, state-of-the-art library for our community,” said Mayor Moran. “The Board of Directors formed and tasked the Library Building Committee to carry out this mission, and I’m proud of the work they’ve done to see that Manchester will have the best public library in the entire state.”
The building designs aim for a future potential goal of net-zero energy with geothermal heating/cooling systems. These systems along with other sustainable materials are outlined in a proposed Energy Usage Model examined by Eversource and its consultants which considers opportunities to effectively offset costs to implementation. While these plans are still underway, the project team is optimistic about the sustainable factors this new building would bring to the Manchester community.
You may view some of the current exterior and interior design images here.
In late June 2024, the Town of Manchester purchased the property at 1041 Main Street formerly owned by Webster Bank, which will serve as the site of the new library. Webster Bank will be staying Downtown, as it purchased the adjacent property at 1007 Main Street for its new branch location and is currently in the process of moving.
“Webster Bank has been a tremendous community partner throughout this entire process, “said Town Manager Steve Stephanou. “We are thrilled that Webster will be remaining Downtown, continuing to be a key component of the small and local business ecosystem that makes the area so vibrant. Private investments, like the one Webster is making, along with the new library and other major public investments in the Main Street area, will help ensure Downtown Manchester is a regional destination for the next several decades and beyond.”
It is expected that the demolition of the current structure and site preparation will commence in the 4th quarter of 2024. Weather permitting, new construction will commence by early 2025 with a 16–18-month timeline of completion of the building.
