April LOrange's projects
Recent Activity
Commented on Main Library Campus
3 years, 9 months ago
E.B., relevant to your interests, I see the timeline now started calls for a capital campaign beginning this fall. I think the mayor's office would be who to call to learn exactly what that means, but I know it will be relevant to whether our taxes go up or not.
Commented on Main Library Campus
3 years, 9 months ago
So far, I've learned that the city planning department is not involved yet, as the project has not yet applied for permits. At this stage, Tammy, it sounds like you and those other supporters should be calling councilpeople directly. I'm working on scheduling myself a face-to-face with someone who may be sympathetic to see if they can wrangle answers to my design questions out of the mayor's office. I'll update y'all when I know more.
Commented on Main Library Campus
3 years, 10 months ago
Okay, I think we've about accomplished what we can accomplish through online discourse. We all see the questions that never get answered. I think we need to speak to the planning department in person, and based on that, begin bending the ear of individual councilpeople. I'm going to try and schedule a face-to-face with the appropriate person in the planning department, whoever that turns out to be. I have a list of questions and concerns (already posted elsewhere on this board) I'll take with me. I've added bird strikes to it. I'll report back with any findings.
Any of y'all know how to contact folks privately through this board? If we're going to approach city councilpeople individually, it might be useful to coordinate, but really doesn't belong on this board.
Any of y'all know how to contact folks privately through this board? If we're going to approach city councilpeople individually, it might be useful to coordinate, but really doesn't belong on this board.
Commented on Main Library Campus
3 years, 10 months ago
Speaking of the planning department, has anyone gone in and spoken with them in person yet? City planners don't necessarily get to suit themselves in this process--their job is to make it happen, whether "it" comes from a supervisor, a department head, or a mayor/city manager. A face-to-face might get us a better read on where exactly this is coming from. It would at least make it harder for them to ignore some of these questions that simply go unanswered through online channels.
Supported a comment by Diane Plastino Graves on
Main Library Campus
3 years, 10 months ago
Diane Plastino Graves
And it is important to note that the Salt Lake City and Seattle libraries, often touted as similar to Boise's plan, both received a bond levy vote from the citizens, which has been denied to date by our City Hall. By my count, this and the stadium will be the largest taxpayer-funded projects in the City of Boise' history. If we vote for fire stations, foothills preservation, and school bonds, we deserve the right to vote on these extremely large projects.
And it is important to note that the Salt Lake City and Seattle libraries, often touted as similar to Boise's plan, both received a bond levy vote from the citizens, which has been denied to date by our City Hall. By my count, this and the stadium will be the largest taxpayer-funded projects in the City of Boise' history. If we vote for fire stations, foothills preservation, and school bonds, we deserve the right to vote on these extremely large projects.
Commented on Main Library Campus
3 years, 10 months ago
We aren't complaining about *a* new library. We're complaining about *this particular design*. What is functional in Salt Lake City won't be here, due to differences in climate and orientation. What's beautiful in Salt Lake City, where they've built quite a bit from pale stone, sticks out like a store thumb in an area made of red brick. Accept that we aren't anti-LIBRARY. Meet us halfway, and let's talk about how to meet the needs of our community at large, not the able-bodied folks who drive to Salt Lake City in particular.
Supported a comment by E.B. Schofield on
Main Library Campus
3 years, 10 months ago
E.B. Schofield
City of Boise - Page 4 of the December 13, 2018 Library Meeting Minutes say, "The bird strike issue noted in the previous public comment phase has been resolved and just needs communicated to the public. Two options were provided by Safdi Architects and need to be costed." Why not provide that information ASAP - citizens want to know.
City of Boise - Page 4 of the December 13, 2018 Library Meeting Minutes say, "The bird strike issue noted in the previous public comment phase has been resolved and just needs communicated to the public. Two options were provided by Safdi Architects and need to be costed." Why not provide that information ASAP - citizens want to know.
Supported a comment by Christine King on
Main Library Campus
3 years, 10 months ago
Christine King
Yes, and how will these mitigating practices address other concerns about potential glare to drivers, heating and cooling costs, and potential damage to materials from exposure to bright sunlight?
Yes, and how will these mitigating practices address other concerns about potential glare to drivers, heating and cooling costs, and potential damage to materials from exposure to bright sunlight?
Commented on Main Library Campus
3 years, 10 months ago
Dear City of Boise: I appreciate your response. It doesn't address my concerns. Can you see seniors with walkers coming from a block it two away? It may be the closest parking, but by the time you've come all the way around from Biomark to the proposed main entrance, it's a serious hike for someone with, say, rheumatoid arthritis. This facility is supposed to serve our community as a whole, not just the able-bodied.
Supported a comment by M. Thomas on
Main Library Campus
3 years, 10 months ago
M. Thomas
No. Our $543,000 bought us one conceptual design from Safdie, who has now been hired with a $11.1 million+ contract to proceed with that one design. The plus is for the future events center, which is now on hold because for $85 million we can't afford it. Parking will be purchased with city money from a private developer when they demolish the Foothills school. There will be no true on-site parking; even the disabled parking will be in the area adjacent to Biomark, essentially across 8th Street from the proposed new building. This concept needs to go back to the drawing board after a public financing vote. Renovate don't demolish, keep The Cabin in its location, incorporate true onsite parking. These objectives are achievable, and if not by this architectvthen hire a different one with a lower price tag who can keep within the original $45 million proposed project budget.
No. Our $543,000 bought us one conceptual design from Safdie, who has now been hired with a $11.1 million+ contract to proceed with that one design. The plus is for the future events center, which is now on hold because for $85 million we can't afford it. Parking will be purchased with city money from a private developer when they demolish the Foothills school. There will be no true on-site parking; even the disabled parking will be in the area adjacent to Biomark, essentially across 8th Street from the proposed new building. This concept needs to go back to the drawing board after a public financing vote. Renovate don't demolish, keep The Cabin in its location, incorporate true onsite parking. These objectives are achievable, and if not by this architectvthen hire a different one with a lower price tag who can keep within the original $45 million proposed project budget.
Supported a comment by M. Thomas on
Main Library Campus
3 years, 10 months ago
M. Thomas
So important to distinguish budget vs true cost. And extremely alarming at this point in the process to still not see any semblance of projected increases to personnel, maintenance, operations - additional direct burdens on already overtaxed residents. We can not afford this proposal!
So important to distinguish budget vs true cost. And extremely alarming at this point in the process to still not see any semblance of projected increases to personnel, maintenance, operations - additional direct burdens on already overtaxed residents. We can not afford this proposal!
Supported a comment by E.B. Schofield on
Main Library Campus
3 years, 10 months ago
E.B. Schofield
Library Meeting Minutes and City Council Work Sessions in 2017 show $40 million based on a combination remodel and addition to the existing structure, which would expand current space, and add space for the Arts & History Dept. as well as event space. With parking structure included, the budget increased to $50-60M. These budget figures were prior to Safdie gaining the City's attention. Since then, the numbers have ramped up. In addition, "budget" is not the same as "cost" at the end of the day.
Library Meeting Minutes and City Council Work Sessions in 2017 show $40 million based on a combination remodel and addition to the existing structure, which would expand current space, and add space for the Arts & History Dept. as well as event space. With parking structure included, the budget increased to $50-60M. These budget figures were prior to Safdie gaining the City's attention. Since then, the numbers have ramped up. In addition, "budget" is not the same as "cost" at the end of the day.
Supported a comment by michael munfs on
Main Library Campus
4 years, 1 month ago
michael munfs
If the idea is to put up as much shiny surface material as the city can afford, enclose the Library! and parking lot in an inflated plastic dome.
If the idea is to put up as much shiny surface material as the city can afford, enclose the Library! and parking lot in an inflated plastic dome.
Supported a comment by Colby Spath on
Main Library Campus
4 years, 1 month ago
Colby Spath
If it’s the same as the designs already released there’s a blind 90* right turn in that accessibility which will cause accidents and injuries...
If it’s the same as the designs already released there’s a blind 90* right turn in that accessibility which will cause accidents and injuries...
Supported a comment by Suzanne Troje on
Main Library Campus
4 years, 1 month ago
Suzanne Troje
When is the next "public input" opportunity?
When is the next "public input" opportunity?
Commented on Main Library Campus
4 years, 1 month ago
I agree with M. Thomas about the city reading all the comments. I'm still waiting for a single reply to any of the points I've raised. They only reply when they have a pat answer they feel makes them look good. Real "additional comments and questions" are ignored.
Supported a comment by M. Thomas on
Main Library Campus
4 years, 1 month ago
M. Thomas
Great comments. I wish City Council and the Library planning committee would take the time to read through all of the comments here.
Great comments. I wish City Council and the Library planning committee would take the time to read through all of the comments here.
Supported a comment by bonnie zimmerman on
Main Library Campus
4 years, 1 month ago
bonnie zimmerman
How many of the in favor of boise spending millions of dollars to highlight boise downtown will ever go to the new library. I live downtown boise. I will go to the library a couple of times a month. My friends and family do not like to come downtown and pay for parking. People from out of town may visit once. We have a library, a history museum, an art gallery, and many locations for conferences. Boise is already a beautiful place, we don’t need someone else’s idea of what we need and what they think is glamorous.we definitely don’t need multiple years of construction ruining the best part of boise, the green belt. What will it look like in a couple of years when we run out of money. It is already too expensive to live in boise,
How many of the in favor of boise spending millions of dollars to highlight boise downtown will ever go to the new library. I live downtown boise. I will go to the library a couple of times a month. My friends and family do not like to come downtown and pay for parking. People from out of town may visit once. We have a library, a history museum, an art gallery, and many locations for conferences. Boise is already a beautiful place, we don’t need someone else’s idea of what we need and what they think is glamorous.we definitely don’t need multiple years of construction ruining the best part of boise, the green belt. What will it look like in a couple of years when we run out of money. It is already too expensive to live in boise,
Supported a comment by M. Thomas on
Main Library Campus
4 years, 1 month ago
M. Thomas
Well said! If city leaders were truly invested in maintaining the Cabin's historic designation, there would be no talk of relocating or even encroaching on the Cabin's current space. This entire library campus proposal is out of balance.
Well said! If city leaders were truly invested in maintaining the Cabin's historic designation, there would be no talk of relocating or even encroaching on the Cabin's current space. This entire library campus proposal is out of balance.
Supported a comment by Thomas J Beatty on
Main Library Campus
4 years, 1 month ago
Thomas J Beatty
How about above-ground parking, i.e. incorporating parking into the actual design of the building. And if the fire means less cars, you can convert any horizontal parking floors intovadditional library space. I really think any onsite parking solution was dismissed too early in the design process, and would strongly urge the City to take another look. If nothing else, use the 22,000 sq ft going to the Art & History group for parking and let them stay where they are or move into an alternative space. The Boise Library needs its own onsite parking, not some third-party deal across the street that only gives you a maximum of two hours of free parking.
How about above-ground parking, i.e. incorporating parking into the actual design of the building. And if the fire means less cars, you can convert any horizontal parking floors intovadditional library space. I really think any onsite parking solution was dismissed too early in the design process, and would strongly urge the City to take another look. If nothing else, use the 22,000 sq ft going to the Art & History group for parking and let them stay where they are or move into an alternative space. The Boise Library needs its own onsite parking, not some third-party deal across the street that only gives you a maximum of two hours of free parking.
Commented on Main Library Campus
4 years, 1 month ago
I remain concerned about the arrangements for disabled parking. Even the inadequate amount of on-site parking loojs far enough away from the main entrance that we who are mobility-impaired but not in wheelchairs will be entirely unable to use the facility. Every time I raise the point, the only response is crickets.
Supported a comment by M. Thomas on
Main Library Campus
4 years, 1 month ago
M. Thomas
Well said!
Excerpts from FY 2019 budget showing the City's choice to disregard their own prioritization process in favor of this project:
p. 16 "As part of the due diligence process, capital projects are subject to prioritization and must compete for limited resources."
p. 139 "In FY 2017, staff developed a process for prioritizing capital projects, however for the FY 2019 capital plan this process was not employed..."
Also interesting that the 57% vote on the 2006 proposed library bond is so close to the "56% favorable sentiment" reading from the July 2018 open house comments. I was assured by the Library Director during the open house that this library project would not move forward without an "overwhelmingly favorable" sentiment. A sentiment just slightly lower than vote for a failed bond attempt hardly seems "overwhelmingly favorable."
Well said!
Excerpts from FY 2019 budget showing the City's choice to disregard their own prioritization process in favor of this project:
p. 16 "As part of the due diligence process, capital projects are subject to prioritization and must compete for limited resources."
p. 139 "In FY 2017, staff developed a process for prioritizing capital projects, however for the FY 2019 capital plan this process was not employed..."
Also interesting that the 57% vote on the 2006 proposed library bond is so close to the "56% favorable sentiment" reading from the July 2018 open house comments. I was assured by the Library Director during the open house that this library project would not move forward without an "overwhelmingly favorable" sentiment. A sentiment just slightly lower than vote for a failed bond attempt hardly seems "overwhelmingly favorable."
Supported a comment by Tammy Bixby on
Main Library Campus
4 years, 1 month ago
Tammy Bixby
The bottom line is the price is ridiculous over-the-top just amazingly out of touch with what and who Boise is .
The bottom line is the price is ridiculous over-the-top just amazingly out of touch with what and who Boise is .
Supported a comment by M. Thomas on
Main Library Campus
4 years, 1 month ago
M. Thomas
$11,185,236 Let that number sink in. $11,185,236 that was buried in a consent item of a nearly 2000 page agenda packet. $11,185,236 is the amount that Boise City Council just approved for Safdie to continue with architectural services on the proposed $103 million library campus. We are reeling in an affordable housing crisis. We are not flush with cash. We do not have the funding for this project just sitting around. Consider this in another perspective. The City is currently contemplating setting up a Land Trust with $20 million - $10 million from City resources, $10 million from philanthropy. While they think about moves like this to address affordable housing, they move full steam ahead on an amenity project by approving an $11.1 million expenditure for architectural plans. Oh, plus a minimum $650,000 to move a historically registered building (The Cabin) to a new site to make way for river views. Shame on you, City of Boise. Shame on you, Mayor Dave Bieter. Shame, shame on you, Council members Lisa E. Sánchez, Lauren McLean, TJ Thomson, Elaine M Clegg, Holli Woodings, Scott Ludwig.
$11,185,236 Let that number sink in. $11,185,236 that was buried in a consent item of a nearly 2000 page agenda packet. $11,185,236 is the amount that Boise City Council just approved for Safdie to continue with architectural services on the proposed $103 million library campus. We are reeling in an affordable housing crisis. We are not flush with cash. We do not have the funding for this project just sitting around. Consider this in another perspective. The City is currently contemplating setting up a Land Trust with $20 million - $10 million from City resources, $10 million from philanthropy. While they think about moves like this to address affordable housing, they move full steam ahead on an amenity project by approving an $11.1 million expenditure for architectural plans. Oh, plus a minimum $650,000 to move a historically registered building (The Cabin) to a new site to make way for river views. Shame on you, City of Boise. Shame on you, Mayor Dave Bieter. Shame, shame on you, Council members Lisa E. Sánchez, Lauren McLean, TJ Thomson, Elaine M Clegg, Holli Woodings, Scott Ludwig.
Supported a comment by M. Thomas on
Main Library Campus
4 years, 1 month ago
M. Thomas
Well said! This project requires significant funds that the City does not have therefore causing an assumption of debt, and the people should have a vote on if and how to proceed. Bypassing citizen vote in favor of long-term lease financing is not acceptable!
Well said! This project requires significant funds that the City does not have therefore causing an assumption of debt, and the people should have a vote on if and how to proceed. Bypassing citizen vote in favor of long-term lease financing is not acceptable!
Supported a comment by Alex Jones on
Main Library Campus
4 years, 1 month ago
Alex Jones
Can someone please explain why the city of Boise signed a 45 year lease in 2011 on the property right across 8th St and River St? The library expansion has been on the books since the early 2000s so why did the city give away 1.3 acres to such a long lease? Having this land incorporated into the new library design would alleviate the shoehorn effect and allow space for parking, preservation of the Cabin and the important riparian habitat along the Boise River. This whole library plan needs to go back to the drawing board, because, in spite of the current political climate, use of public funds requires public input and approval. That means open discussion, cost analyses and a public vote on the project. CCDC is not the entity that gets to make up the rules as it goes along anymore.
Can someone please explain why the city of Boise signed a 45 year lease in 2011 on the property right across 8th St and River St? The library expansion has been on the books since the early 2000s so why did the city give away 1.3 acres to such a long lease? Having this land incorporated into the new library design would alleviate the shoehorn effect and allow space for parking, preservation of the Cabin and the important riparian habitat along the Boise River. This whole library plan needs to go back to the drawing board, because, in spite of the current political climate, use of public funds requires public input and approval. That means open discussion, cost analyses and a public vote on the project. CCDC is not the entity that gets to make up the rules as it goes along anymore.
Supported a comment by M. Thomas on
Main Library Campus
4 years, 1 month ago
M. Thomas
Far too late, and expect the same poorly worded and slanted feedback questions designed to elicit the "positive sentiment" the City is using to justify this project.
Far too late, and expect the same poorly worded and slanted feedback questions designed to elicit the "positive sentiment" the City is using to justify this project.
Supported a comment by Thomas J Beatty on
Main Library Campus
4 years, 1 month ago
Thomas J Beatty
Looking forward to the opportunity to make comments on the Schematic Design in the Spring of 2019. However, I am somewhat fearful that it may be too late for any but minor cosmetic changes, i.e. it appears the current design with NO onsite parking and in direct contrast to the aesthetics of surrounding structures. I would like to see some alternatives to the current design. It's a library, not the Guggenheim museum.
Looking forward to the opportunity to make comments on the Schematic Design in the Spring of 2019. However, I am somewhat fearful that it may be too late for any but minor cosmetic changes, i.e. it appears the current design with NO onsite parking and in direct contrast to the aesthetics of surrounding structures. I would like to see some alternatives to the current design. It's a library, not the Guggenheim museum.
Supported a comment by Jamie Kaiser on
Main Library Campus
4 years, 5 months ago
Jamie Kaiser
I would like to see a design that is less modern and that fits in better with the aesthetic of Boise.
I would like to see a design that is less modern and that fits in better with the aesthetic of Boise.
Supported a comment by Ule Gould on
Main Library Campus
4 years, 5 months ago
Ule Gould
I really like the re-use of exiting buildings like Ustick and Collister. We do not need a fancy new building.
I really like the re-use of exiting buildings like Ustick and Collister. We do not need a fancy new building.
Supported a comment by David Klinger on
Main Library Campus
4 years, 5 months ago
David Klinger
A beautiful, modernist design ... that belongs in Barcelona, Spain, or Abu Dhabi. It’s not a fit with an intermountain city, between foothills and river, whose character and culture are wedded in the Oregon Trail. A contemporary, Prairie School design with Frank Lloyd Wright as its inspiration would have blended better with its environment but still provided inspiration and modernism. A structure that “works” works best when it respects its surroundings, topography, scale, and culture.
A beautiful, modernist design ... that belongs in Barcelona, Spain, or Abu Dhabi. It’s not a fit with an intermountain city, between foothills and river, whose character and culture are wedded in the Oregon Trail. A contemporary, Prairie School design with Frank Lloyd Wright as its inspiration would have blended better with its environment but still provided inspiration and modernism. A structure that “works” works best when it respects its surroundings, topography, scale, and culture.
Supported a comment by Sharon Tabor on
Main Library Campus
4 years, 5 months ago
Sharon Tabor
Should a library be a gateway to a city? Who is asking these questions? I have never visited a local library in any city I have visited over my lifetime. It doesn't mean I don't like libraries, it means I am more likely to visit a museum like our tiny art museum.
Should a library be a gateway to a city? Who is asking these questions? I have never visited a local library in any city I have visited over my lifetime. It doesn't mean I don't like libraries, it means I am more likely to visit a museum like our tiny art museum.
Supported a comment by Diane Plastino Graves on
Main Library Campus
4 years, 5 months ago
Diane Plastino Graves
One of the unconfirmed reports I have heard is that the City is eyeing the block of interesting old buildings on South 8th, where the Foothills School is now, for a parking garage. So tearing down more interesting, historic buildings that give us a sense of place in trade for perhaps another cinderblock parking garage like the one the City egregiously allowed Gardner to build on Front and 12th? (That is a whole other topic...) That doubles the trauma, when considering the unacceptable loss of the Cabin.
One of the unconfirmed reports I have heard is that the City is eyeing the block of interesting old buildings on South 8th, where the Foothills School is now, for a parking garage. So tearing down more interesting, historic buildings that give us a sense of place in trade for perhaps another cinderblock parking garage like the one the City egregiously allowed Gardner to build on Front and 12th? (That is a whole other topic...) That doubles the trauma, when considering the unacceptable loss of the Cabin.
Supported a comment by Cathy Silak on
Main Library Campus
4 years, 5 months ago
Cathy Silak
Parking will be a problem and will adversely impact nearby uses such as the Boise Art Museum and the newly rebuilt Idaho Museum as users vie for spaces. Additional plans for offsite parking will need to progress at the same pace as building the new library.
Parking will be a problem and will adversely impact nearby uses such as the Boise Art Museum and the newly rebuilt Idaho Museum as users vie for spaces. Additional plans for offsite parking will need to progress at the same pace as building the new library.
Supported a comment by J Crowe on
Main Library Campus
4 years, 5 months ago
J Crowe
this building is beautiful but can but can Boise/Boise citizens afford it? On top of the current projected costs, has the city considered the cost of affordable parking for citizens? Has the city considered projected maintenance/utility costs for a south facing wall of windows in our desert climate? And has the City considered the cost of moving the Cabin which is all about the history of our community?
this building is beautiful but can but can Boise/Boise citizens afford it? On top of the current projected costs, has the city considered the cost of affordable parking for citizens? Has the city considered projected maintenance/utility costs for a south facing wall of windows in our desert climate? And has the City considered the cost of moving the Cabin which is all about the history of our community?
Supported a comment by Maria Kauffman on
Main Library Campus
4 years, 5 months ago
Maria Kauffman
This structure is beautiful but It seems firm has won out over function.I’ve taken my 5.5yo to the library every week since she was an infant. I also recently had knee surgery and have a new awareness of how hard simple errands have become. Reducing onsite parking by 75% and moving parking further away from the library reduces the convenience of the library dramatically and I feel would deter many people from using the main library. I also don’t understand the emphasis on the arts and culture areas. Adding a theater will compound the parking issue. I agree that art should be incorporated into the library, but is a gallery the best use of space when BAM is across the street? Is a theater necessary when JUMP is right around the corner? One of the best features of the main library is the drive through book drop. Will this feature be retained? If you eliminate it are you considering city wide drop of points? I am perplexed the designer simply ignored The Cabin and didn’t incorporate it into the design. Is it necessary to have a large lounging area around the library and on the roof? It feels like overkill and an egregious waste of potential parking and makes it harder for people with disabilities to reach the door. I love that Boise is becoming more cosmopolitan and an upgraded library is overdue. But this library feels unnecessarily extravagant and loses the main function in all the excess.
This structure is beautiful but It seems firm has won out over function.I’ve taken my 5.5yo to the library every week since she was an infant. I also recently had knee surgery and have a new awareness of how hard simple errands have become. Reducing onsite parking by 75% and moving parking further away from the library reduces the convenience of the library dramatically and I feel would deter many people from using the main library. I also don’t understand the emphasis on the arts and culture areas. Adding a theater will compound the parking issue. I agree that art should be incorporated into the library, but is a gallery the best use of space when BAM is across the street? Is a theater necessary when JUMP is right around the corner? One of the best features of the main library is the drive through book drop. Will this feature be retained? If you eliminate it are you considering city wide drop of points? I am perplexed the designer simply ignored The Cabin and didn’t incorporate it into the design. Is it necessary to have a large lounging area around the library and on the roof? It feels like overkill and an egregious waste of potential parking and makes it harder for people with disabilities to reach the door. I love that Boise is becoming more cosmopolitan and an upgraded library is overdue. But this library feels unnecessarily extravagant and loses the main function in all the excess.
Supported a comment by David Klinger on
Main Library Campus
4 years, 5 months ago
David Klinger
The new design respects neither the Greenbelt not the Boise River. Its massive, overbearing face overwhelms, rather than complements, its southerly riverfront. A south-facing, four-story glass walled-atrium is setting up a huge temperature control problem — in summer, that facade will be broiling (something that most Boiseans understand, but that maybe Massachusetts architects don’t). A plate-glass, walled front opposite a river corridor heavily used by waterfowl and songbirds has the potential to become a “killing machine” for birds, especially considering how the new library’s rooftop gardens will further lure birds and set up the very real possibility of needless bird strikes, subjecting the City of Boise to possible violation of Federal and state wildlife laws when it is possible to re-orient the new structure to diminish or eliminate such a deficiency. Did the architect spend a morning sitting on the front lawn of “The Cabin” studying the heavy movement of geese, ducks, raptors, and songbirds between the river and Julia Davis Park? If so, he would have understood that plate glass facades are going to create problems.
The new design respects neither the Greenbelt not the Boise River. Its massive, overbearing face overwhelms, rather than complements, its southerly riverfront. A south-facing, four-story glass walled-atrium is setting up a huge temperature control problem — in summer, that facade will be broiling (something that most Boiseans understand, but that maybe Massachusetts architects don’t). A plate-glass, walled front opposite a river corridor heavily used by waterfowl and songbirds has the potential to become a “killing machine” for birds, especially considering how the new library’s rooftop gardens will further lure birds and set up the very real possibility of needless bird strikes, subjecting the City of Boise to possible violation of Federal and state wildlife laws when it is possible to re-orient the new structure to diminish or eliminate such a deficiency. Did the architect spend a morning sitting on the front lawn of “The Cabin” studying the heavy movement of geese, ducks, raptors, and songbirds between the river and Julia Davis Park? If so, he would have understood that plate glass facades are going to create problems.
Supported a comment by Diane Plastino Graves on
Main Library Campus
4 years, 5 months ago
Diane Plastino Graves
It lords over the river. The glass and concrete are very stern, and are the antithesis of the lush, welcoming riparian environment. Can you imagine how hot that entrance courtyard will be during our routine 95+ degree days?
It lords over the river. The glass and concrete are very stern, and are the antithesis of the lush, welcoming riparian environment. Can you imagine how hot that entrance courtyard will be during our routine 95+ degree days?
Commented on Main Library Campus
4 years, 5 months ago
Dear City of Boise: Your beautiful is getting in the way of the functional aspects. Glass and cement is a mistake we all made in the 80s. It's hot, blinding, impermeable to runoff, and ages badly (both functionally and aesthetically).
Supported a comment by Brooke O. on
Main Library Campus
4 years, 5 months ago
Brooke O.
more shade, more trees, less windows/reflection and a more thoughtful timeless design
more shade, more trees, less windows/reflection and a more thoughtful timeless design
Supported a comment by Ule Gould on
Main Library Campus
4 years, 5 months ago
Ule Gould
Less iconic, more modest
Less iconic, more modest
Supported a comment by Mary Wallace Dragone on
Main Library Campus
4 years, 5 months ago
Mary Wallace Dragone
The existing library is great and is paid for! This new space is expensive and appalling. Progress is not always better!
The existing library is great and is paid for! This new space is expensive and appalling. Progress is not always better!
Commented on Main Library Campus
4 years, 5 months ago
Please don't forget that a lot of onsite parking needs to be disabled-accessible. As a disabled person who can't use a wheelchair, no number of ramps fixes being too far away or running out of disabled-placard spaces.
Supported a comment by Kevin Brandt on
Main Library Campus
4 years, 5 months ago
Kevin Brandt
There is no information about parking, none is shown in the drawings and the in the paper it has been stated that underground parking is cost prohibitive. There is extremely limited off-site parking in this area. I'm concerned that vanity and design has taken first place over function.
There is no information about parking, none is shown in the drawings and the in the paper it has been stated that underground parking is cost prohibitive. There is extremely limited off-site parking in this area. I'm concerned that vanity and design has taken first place over function.
Supported a comment by Lora Volkert on
Main Library Campus
4 years, 5 months ago
Lora Volkert
These parking options sound workable for people like me, but are the 40-50 on-site spaces going to be close enough for patrons who need wheelchair access or otherwise have limited mobility?
These parking options sound workable for people like me, but are the 40-50 on-site spaces going to be close enough for patrons who need wheelchair access or otherwise have limited mobility?
Supported a comment by Diane Plastino Graves on
Main Library Campus
4 years, 5 months ago
Diane Plastino Graves
Can you imagine how hot that concrete plaza would be in our routine 90+ degree days?
Can you imagine how hot that concrete plaza would be in our routine 90+ degree days?
Supported a comment by Chryssa Rich on
Main Library Campus
4 years, 5 months ago
Chryssa Rich
No, I think the wall of windows will kill too many birds.
No, I think the wall of windows will kill too many birds.
Supported a comment by Scott K. on
Main Library Campus
4 years, 5 months ago
Scott K.
First of all, we are not Salt Lake City, nor should we try to be. There is a lot of wasted space and a lot of concrete in the proposed designs. I'm not sure I would travel by foot, car or bike to a building that doesn't fit in well with its surrounding environment and seems to wall itself off from what makes Boise so nice - 8th street, the river, and views of the Statehouse, Depot, and Foothills.
First of all, we are not Salt Lake City, nor should we try to be. There is a lot of wasted space and a lot of concrete in the proposed designs. I'm not sure I would travel by foot, car or bike to a building that doesn't fit in well with its surrounding environment and seems to wall itself off from what makes Boise so nice - 8th street, the river, and views of the Statehouse, Depot, and Foothills.
Commented on Main Library Campus
4 years, 5 months ago
I second Lynette. My husband worked in an all-glass building for years. 20° F difference between the sunny side and the shady side, and no HVAC system could fix it.
Supported a comment by Lynette Daudt on
Main Library Campus
4 years, 5 months ago
Lynette Daudt
Mitigate = make less severe, serious, or painful. How about a non-all glass design. This is not appropriate design in a century moving toward sustainability. Insulate with thick solid walls. Use solar panels on the roof. Have large windows but not walls of glass.
Mitigate = make less severe, serious, or painful. How about a non-all glass design. This is not appropriate design in a century moving toward sustainability. Insulate with thick solid walls. Use solar panels on the roof. Have large windows but not walls of glass.
Supported a comment by Alex Takasugi on
Main Library Campus
4 years, 5 months ago
Alex Takasugi
I would like to see thought and effort put into preventing bird collisions with all the glass window space. The American Bird Conservancy has ideas here: https://abcbirds.org/program/glass-collisions/learn-more/ Check out the "Resources for Architects, Planners and Develpers" section.
I would like to see thought and effort put into preventing bird collisions with all the glass window space. The American Bird Conservancy has ideas here: https://abcbirds.org/program/glass-collisions/learn-more/ Check out the "Resources for Architects, Planners and Develpers" section.
Supported a comment by Christine King on
Main Library Campus
4 years, 5 months ago
Christine King
Oh, I so agree! I really hope The Cabin stays put, but I don't think City Hall considered either the structure or the literary center's future when they contracted with the architectural team.
Oh, I so agree! I really hope The Cabin stays put, but I don't think City Hall considered either the structure or the literary center's future when they contracted with the architectural team.
Supported a comment by Brooke O. on
Main Library Campus
4 years, 5 months ago
Brooke O.
absolutely not. it looks like JUMP or the EMP in Seattle. it is not complimentary
absolutely not. it looks like JUMP or the EMP in Seattle. it is not complimentary
Followed Main Library Campus
4 years, 5 months ago
Commented on Main Library Campus
4 years, 5 months ago
This looks like a very well-intentioned terrible idea. As follows:
* Your disability access is inadequate, both in distance and in number of parking spaces.
* In addition to the cabin, the current library building contributes to the character of the neighborhood, while the new one would destroy it.
* Natural light is great, but it's the enemy of books and periodicals. The glare would also interfere with computer use, the other big resource at the library.
* Unless you're going 100% LEED, having this much glass will lead to incredible thermal load--you're looking at a 20-degree difference between the sunny side and the shady side that no amount of air conditioning can fix.
* Additionally, that "lens" wall will reflect sunlight at certain times of day, creating blinding glare on the greenbelt.
* All that pale cement/stone/facing is going to create a terrible heat island effect in the summer. I know there's some rooftop garden planed, but that won't make crossing that entry plaza any less brutal.
* The hardscaping will also create substantial runoff issues.
* Folks tell me this looks like the Sake Lake City library. Can't we have a library that still looks like Boise? Expand the old building if you can. If not, at least use red brick.
* Despite the dimensionality in the architecture, the plan for this building makes the same "urban renewal" mistakes most major cities made in the 80s. Let's learn from them instead. I don't want my kids' taxes paying to clean up this mess in 20 years.