Renovation and addition to a library in Manitou Springs, Colorado. Completed plans call for the renovation of a 3,486-square-foot library; and for the addition of a 2,950-square-foot library.

https://gazette.com/government/manitou-springs-library-remodel/article_f0deb1ee-908c-11ee-afa3-8fac1309321a.html Manitou Springs, Pikes Peak Library District strike deal for Carnegie remodel The city of Manitou Springs and the Pikes Peak Library District recently struck a deal that will provide the last major piece of funding needed to remodel the historic Carnegie Library. "We are very excited about this," said Aaron Salt, president of the district's board, noting the historic building is an excellent location to serve the elementary school across the street. The library district has agreed to pay $1.5 million upfront to lease the building at 701 Manitou Ave. for 25 years to fund the needed update to the classical Italian Renaissance structure that opened in 1911. The space is currently vacant after library operations moved to the Manitou Art Center a few years ago in response to a complaint the building was not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The construction plans propose a nearly 3,000-square-foot addition and an interior remodel, bringing the total space up to more than 6,000 square feet. The city's fundraising campaign expected the project would cost about $3.7 million, and the district's contribution will bring the amount set aside for the project up to $3.9 million. The city itself provided $1.5 million for the remodel. The city expects it will receive an additional $250,000 from the State Historical Fund and $100,000 from the Manitou Arts Culture and Heritage board, providing about $4.26 million for the project, city documents said. The deal could allow the remodel to break ground next spring, city documents stated. The city will oversee the remodel, but the district expects to be involved in weekly stakeholder calls, Salt said. The district's board unanimously approved the deal, and the Manitou Springs City Council voted 6 to 1 to approve the lease agreement. The upfront payment is expected to save the city over $1 million in interest, Salt said. "This is a very attractive package financially," Mayor John Graham said during a November meeting. The district will be required to operate the library at least 20 hours a week under the lease agreement, unless prevented by holidays, weather, labor shortages or other circumstances outside the library's control, according to the lease. The library will also continue to operate the Makerspace at the Manitou Art Center, Graham said. After the first 25 years, the district would have the option to renew the lease for an additional 10 years. The district asked for the option to extend the lease to show its commitment to the community, Salt said. Manitou Springs City Councilwoman Julie Wolfe was the lone vote against the lease and questioned whether the district would be paying fair rent. "We have no way of knowing if the amount of rent they want to pay us is fair," she said. Graham said compiling a fair comparison was tough, since the library's other leases vary widely, but the agreement does achieve the shared goal of renovating the historic building. "I think we have that common interest, and we should pursue that," he said. _________________________________________________ As of August 29 2023 this project is in working drawings complete, looking to start by early next year. Deadline to present questions deadline is Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 5:00 PM.