The Rest of the Picture

We have argued all along that one of the advantages of the Fiore-Irgens development proposal is that it will "look good from all four sides of the block." And we have provided views of our project from all angles to support that assertion.

At the last Central Library Disposal Committee, we were finally provided a copy of the "rear elevation" for the proposed library development by T.Wall. (This had not been included in the RFP response ... for reasons quite apparent.)

I gave this elevation to our architects and asked them to illustrate the view from West Washington if the T.Wall building is constructed. Here's how it will look from Capitol West:


The material for this rear wall was described by the T.Wall team as "cement block." (At least the windowless wall at the AT&T Building is constructed of quality building material!)

So, which developer's vision do you think will create more value downtown? The T.Wall plan above?

Or the Fiore-Irgens plan shown below?


Only one proposal provides a comprehensive and integrated plan for this block. The Fiore-Irgens development plan will create more economic value from day one - and substantially more value for the community over the long-term.

Exterior Renderings

These images illustrate the exterior views of the proposed free-standing library on West Washington Avenue, as well as our preliminary concepts for the old library site on Mifflin Street.

The New Central Library will be the sole occupant in a single-use building on Block 66 at the northeast corner of West Washington Avenue and Henry Street in Madison. The building will be constructed on an existing foundation originally master planned for a 10-story office tower, saving months of construction time and eliminating the need for a temporary library site.

A three-story structure currently exists on the New Library site. It includes one level of commercial office space on top of two levels of parking. Office tenants in the space will be relocated prior to the construction start. Parking on the two levels, however, will remain open and dedicated to occupants of the Network222 office building.

Click on any of the images for a larger version: