Menomonie Library to Begin Renovations as Part of $3 Million Master Plan
since receiving WEDC grant, initial changes part of a longterm Master Plan will begin
The Menomonie Public Library is getting a major revamp, and thanks to a recent $44,250 Vibrant Spaces grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., a new waterfront space will be one of the first changes to reach fruition.
The WEDC grant program is designed to help cities and towns revitalize underused spaces to build community and attract future residents, aiming to support communities in the state to create inviting, walkable spaces in their downtowns, gateway districts, and economic centers.
Thanks to a group of local residents and leaders who came together in 2022 to dream up what the community’s public library could look like both inside and out – including City Council Member Lee Schwebs, Public Services Coordinator Jodi Bird, Environmental Services staff member Megen Hines, Eric Atkinson of the Menomonie Police Department, and others – an intricate, detailed plan took form.
”
ULTIMATELY, THE PREFERRED MASTER PLAN FOR THE MENOMONIE PUBLIC LIBRARY SEEKS TO CREATE A SPACE THAT RESPECTS ITS PAST, SERVES ITS PRESENT, AND EMBRACES ITS FUTURE.
By analyzing current program elements alongside desired elements, keeping in mind current and future Menomonie residents as well as visitors, and ultimately aiming to represent Menomonie’s unique characteristics and values, a preferred master plan was created.
With Ayres Associates’ architectural design efforts, all parties involved feel the plan “is not merely an infrastructural blueprint, but a vision for a vibrant community hub that reflects the spirit of Menomonie and fostered a sense of belonging among its residents.”
This plan envisions a smooth integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, transforming the library’s surrounding public spaces into multi-functional areas with green landscapes, outdoor reading spots, interactive art installations, and community gathering spots. With careful, critical attention to sustainable design principles and practices, the hope is for the finished spaces to respect and enhance local ecology while also being visually pleasing.
“Ultimately, the preferred master plan for the Menomonie Public Library seeks to create a space that respects its past, serves its present, and embraces its future,” the plan notes.
Of course, such projects of this magnitude do not typically have quick turnarounds, and the Menomonie Public Library is no exception. Broken into five phases, estimated to last roughly 10-20 years, and expected to cost about $3 million (though the plan notes an expected pricing increase of 3-6% per year following 2023), the Vibrant Spaces grant is a helping hand at its start.
The library also received an annuity gift from Joan Polasky, a longtime Menomonie Public Library supporter who passed away in 2021, that is being put to use through the renovation plan. The Vibrant Spaces grant is in addition to the $77,000 gifted by the Polasky estate.
“By the end of 2024, we will have developed an ‘outdoor lounge’ space for library visitors to use, complete with shade trees, lounge tables and chairs, an outdoor fire feature, and a hammock lounge,” Joleen Stark, library director, stated in a media release.
This waterfront outdoor update is also planned to connect to existing walking and biking trails. With a view of Lake Menomin, it will be an inviting space for all, with public Wi-Fi also provided for remote workers, students, families, and other residents to gather to work and play.
The current timeline estimates August 2023-2024 to be spent on grant planning with construction on its first phase to begin this fall and wrap up in November 2025. Similar cycles will continue through 2055, according to the timeline. Phase 1 sees the outdoor lounge on the north side of the existing building to be created alongside site furniture, shade structures, and more, which is what the Vibrant Spaces grant award will help fund. Its estimated cost is $250,000 with a construction time frame of up to one year. Each subsequent phase sees an increased time frame and estimated costs of $500,000-$1 million.
Of the many estimated site improvements in the plan, the most expensive elements listed are playground structures ($300,000), wooden decking and terrace ($266,227), parking lot improvements ($150,000), and an elevated boardwalk ($150,000).
While the library serves the public, public funding does not cover 100% of its yearly operations costs, let alone a large-scale project such as the preferred master plan. Those wishing to donate to the Menomonie Public Library can do so online.
Learn more about the Menomonie Public Library on its website and view the full master plan.
