The vacant lot at the southwest corner of Archer & Wentworth is destined to host a new Public Library branch, presented today as a slight but attractive two-story oval building designed by Skidmore, Owings, & Merrill (SOM) and Wight & Co. SkyscaperPage's Spyguy seldom disappoints. The Chinatown Market-adjacent site has long been held up as the ideal for the replacement CPL branch but its delivery was imagined in various ways including, most recently, as an anchor for a small office building. A Public Building Commission press release with statements from Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Ald. Danny Solis confirms the project's new conception and forward momentum. The library is slated to open in 2015 and will mark the first time a design/build arrangement has been used for a neighborhood branch. The city is still in the land acquisition phase and will draw on TIF funds for all aspects of the development.
·Mayor Emanuel Unveils Design Concept for New Chinatown Library Branch [PBC]
·General Development Thread [SSP]
·Planned Chinatown Office Building Has Obstacles to Negotiate [Curbed Chicago]
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