At a special meeting of City Council on Wednesday, January 8, HBM Architects presented the final schematic designs of the new Library building, including general floor layouts and renderings of the exterior from all sides. They also presented cost estimates, including provision for fluctuations in material costs to keep the project within budget. Council unanimously approved the designs, a major step in moving towards construction.
From here, the City will continue construction planning and hopes to break ground in early 2026.
HBM has worked closely with City departments, the Library, and Art & History Museums of Maitland to create a building that will fit the character of Packwood Avenue, gaining inspiration from the surroundings, including mid-century modern and contemporary architecture and the artistry of the Art Center.
The project includes not only the new Library building, but also improvements to the surrounding Quinn Strong Park. The Maitland Senior Center and another City building will be demolished to make way for the Library at the southwest corner of Maitland and Packwood Avenues. Senior Center activities will be incorporated into the Library when construction is complete.
City Council has committed to preserving the existing building, erected in 1907, for a future public use.
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