New Central Library design details unveiled

On Sept. 23, the final design details of Calgary’s New Central Library were shared at a media event hosted by the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC).

The event featured speakers from the three organizations involved in the project - The City of Calgary, the Calgary Public Library and the CMLC, the project’s developer.

The architectural design team of Snøhetta + DIALOG showcased the library’s features through a 3-D animation, illustrating how the input provided by more than 16,000  Calgarians over the past two years has been incorporated into the library’s design, amenities and function.

Today’s release of the design marks a significant milestone in the delivery of the project. Calgarians can access the 3D rendering of the design online at calgarymlc.ca.

Library by design

Planning for the New Central Library began in 2004 as the institution approached its centennial with City Council's $40 million commitment towards the project.

In 2011, Council further paved the road toward a New Central Library by directing reductions in the provincial property tax toward a new Community Investment Fund earmarked for financing community infrastructure such as libraries and recreation centres. 

An investment in community

In 2013, Council committed $135 million from the Community Investment Fund toward the New Central Library. The Community Revitalization Levy (CRL) funds the remaining $70 million required for the project’s total $245 million cost.

The library will be located at the centre of the East Village corridor –positioned between the Glenbow Museum, Fort Calgary, the Epcor Centre, and the new National Music Centre. It will be a landmark building that exemplifies design excellence and environmental sustainability; a community space that fosters thought, collaboration and dialogue, and versatile venue for public art, performances, cultural enrichment and innovation.

Partnering on the project

The City of Calgary is proud to partner with the Calgary Public Library and CMLC in bringing this project to life.

The New Central Library is anticipated to open in 2018. For more information visit http://calgarymlc.ca.

Submitted by Cathy Davis, Strategic Services, Community Services and Protective Services

Join in an evening of design discussion on the New Central Library

You are invited for a sneak-a-peek of the architectural designs of the New Central Library. The public open house will be held at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre on September 4 from 6-8 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Join the Prime Design Team – Snøhetta + DIALOG – for a first look at the features, amenities and function of the library. The conceptual design reflects what 16,500 Calgarians told us matters most to them through public forums over the last two years.

Located in East Village directly across from City Hall, the New Central Library will be a landmark building that exemplifies design excellence and a community space that inspires thought, collaboration and conversation. A public gathering hub for people to dream, explore and to inspire all.

To join in the evening of design discussion, reserve your seat now at ncldesign.eventbrite.ca. Space is limited; first come, first served.

For more information on the New Central Library, visit calgarymlc.ca.

Background on the project

Originally built to serve a population of 400,000, the need for a New Central Library was first recognized in 2004 when City Council approved a $40 million contribution toward the project. In 2011, Council further paved the road toward a New Central Library by directing reductions in the provincial property tax toward a new Community Investment Fund earmarked for financing community infrastructure such as libraries and recreation centres. In 2013, Council committed $135 million from the Community Investment Fund toward the New Central Library. The Community Revitalization Levy (CRL) funds the remaining $70 million required for the project’s total $245 million cost.

With funding in place and a site declared, extensive public engagement was undertaken in parallel with an operational review and development of a master program. Conceptual designs are now complete and construction to begin preparing the site for building has begun, the first steps of which are utility work and the encapsulation of the LRT. The New Central Library is anticipated to open in 2018.

Submitted by Sheila Rougeau, Community Services and Protective Services