W'burg library awarded $600,000
By ANDREA FURLONG
The Williamsburg Public Library is less than $200,000 shy of funding construction of a new library, after receiving a $600,000 Vision Iowa Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) grant.
Governor Chet Culver announced the award Wednesday, July 8, as part of $2.3 million in Vision Iowa funds that will be distributed between the library and projects of two other communities this summer. The Vision Iowa CAT grant is awarded to “projects that promote recreational, cultural, educational or entertainment attractions that are available to the general public,” according to the CAT application.
Vision Iowa Board Chairwoman Regenia Bailey said she is particularly excited about funding Williamsburg’s new library, because it will be the first Vision Iowa project built with a silver ranking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification in mind.
“They’ve really stepped up to the plate. We look forward to using this project as an example of the advantages of smart design,” Bailey said in a press release.
LEED buildings are sustainable “green” structures built to be energy efficient. A silver ranking is the third highest ranking out of four attained through LEED certification. Rankings are based on a point system, with points awarded in five categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources and indoor environmental quality.
The proposed $3.5 million, 12,000 square foot library, designed by a team of LEED Accredited Professionals from OPN Architects, Cedar Rapids, will apply environmental concepts in its architecture and during construction at 300 W. State Street (across the street from the current library). The majority of the library’s windows will be oriented north “to take advantage of maximum daylight harvesting,” according to the proposal submitted to the Vision Iowa Board. Glass facing south will be “shaded by deep overhangs and horizontal sunscreens (or) light shelves to minimize solar heat gain.” Its roof will be sloped to allow for the possible installation of solar panels in later years, which would convert sunlight into electricity for the building.
Stormwater will be managed through landscaping (by a LEED AP landscape architect) and construction materials. Methods proposed to the board include pervious paving (using porous construction materials to allow water to drain into the soil), rain gardens and an underground cistern to collect rainwater, which could be reused “for irrigation or flushing toilets.” Water conservation practices will be implemented inside the building, and may include dual-flush toilets and waterless urinals.
In order to “reduce annual operating costs and lower the carbon footprint of the new library,” the building will utilize a geothermal, ground-loop heating and cooling system. All appliances purchased will be Energy Star rated.
The project will limit air pollution through banning the use of many construction materials that would generally contain volatile organic compounds (chemicals that may easily breakdown and release into the air).
As for leftover materials, contractors on the project will be required to salvage, recycle or reuse approximately 90 percent of construction waste.
The library’s grant is contingent on raising the remaining $192,000 in the next 173 days, and the structure’s ability to secure a silver level in LEED certification.
Library board of trustees president Emily Andrews said even before the Vision Iowa board required the project to become LEED certified, the board and general public had outlined LEED certification as one of their goals for the new library.
“One of the things our patrons mentioned frequently in our charrettes was the desire for the building to be energy efficient and "green". LEED certification just defines that efficiency,” Andrews said. She added that in the long-term, energy efficient buildings are cost efficient, because they are less expensive to operate and maintain.
The library’s $600,000 Vision Iowa CAT grant was based upon the library board’s request for $630,000 from the Vision Iowa. The total estimated cost of the project is $4,069,489. The building is expected to cost around $3.5 million. To date, the library has raised all but approximately $192,000 for the $4 million project. Donors include:
• The City of Williamsburg — $492,000 for land acquisition, and an additional $2.5 million.
• Iowa County Board of Supervisors — $60,000.
• Williamsburg Public Library Foundation — $172,478, and $16,590 in pledges.
• Friends of the Williamsburg Public Library — $30,000.
• Monsanto — $5,000 grant.
• Proctor and Gamble — $5,000 grant.
• Visioning2000, donated sculpture — $6,400.
The library board intends to secure the needed $192,000 through grants and community donations.
Andrews said the board anticipates bid letting in early 2010, with construction set to start in the spring. The new library is projected to be completed by the spring of 2011.
For regular updates on the project’s progress, visit http://www.williamsburg.lib.ia.us/.
UPDATED July 15, 2009 10:43 AM