Milwaukee Public Library’s Tippecanoe Branch Undergoing Full-Scale Renovation
Architectural Firm Engberg Anderson Selected for Project
MILWAUKEE – Tippecanoe Library, a branch of the Milwaukee Public Library system (MPL), is slated for a makeover later this year. In his 2014 budget, Mayor Tom Barrett prioritized redevelopment of the library branch system in a multi-year building and renovation program with an investment of $21.5 million over five to seven years. The project calls for rebuilding four branches – Forest Home, Mill Road, Capitol and Martin Luther King – and renovating Tippecanoe library. The four branches scheduled for rebuilding will be redeveloped as part of mixed-use projects – a more affordable approach.
MPL selected Engberg Anderson as the architect for the Tippecanoe project. Engberg Anderson has a successful history of developing new and renovated libraries and most recently completed the new Villard Square Branch, 5190 North 35th Street, in 2011, which received numerous awards, including a Mayor’s Design Award for public/private partnership. Engberg Anderson was selected in a competitive process.
“Our libraries are a vital part of our community – an investment in libraries is an investment in the stability of our city,” said Mayor Tom Barrett. “Great cities have great libraries and a thriving library system improves access to information resources, economic opportunity, literacy, education and quality of life in our neighborhoods.”
“By summer of 2015, users of our Tippecanoe branch will have a brand new library space,” said Library Director Paula Kiely. “As with Villard Square and the soon-to-open East Branch, Tippecanoe users can expect to have a 21st century environment, rich with technology and flexible spaces for interaction and community connection.”
“With community input, we will create a space that Tippecanoe neighbors and library users value,” said Bill Robison, lead Library Architect for Engberg Anderson. “We look forward to being part of such a meaningful community project.”
In the coming months, MPL will hold public input sessions and share more information on the redevelopment plan. A project manager will also be appointed to oversee the multi-year rebuilding project.
Check www.mpl.org, MPL’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/Milwaukee.Public.Library) or Twitter handle @MilwaukeePubLib (https://twitter.com/MilwaukeePubLib for the most current information about Tippecanoe Library.
About Tippecanoe Library
Tippecanoe Library, 3912 South Howell Avenue, was built in 1969. Prior to the move to its current location, the library began in a rented storefront at 3835 South Howell Avenue in 1931. In 1960 the library moved into a building at 3900 South Howell, on the corner of Howell and Howard Avenues, which was formerly the Town of Lake Hall and Fire Department. After the Town of Lake was annexed to the City of Milwaukee, this building was used for a Milwaukee Fire House until 1959. When this building was being razed for construction of the 1969 building, library service was temporarily provided by bookmobile service at the site and then housed at the Lake water tower, 4001 S. 6th St., until the new building was ready.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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