August 30, 2018: Rosemount Library Renovations Begin; Group urges community input.

August 30, 2018: Rosemount Library Renovations Begin;
Group urges community input.

By Barbara Clubb, R.E.A.D.

It’s official! The architects for the renovation of the Rosemount branch of the Ottawa Public Library will be the Ontario firm +VG Architects (the Ventin Group).

READ Rosemount will be be participating in the consultations and encourages everyone in the community to get actively involved in this planning and design process beginning Fall 2018 (see OPL announcement below).

Councillor Jeff Leiper tweeted out August 10th that he ran into firm representatives at the library recently, so they are already hard at work. Some of the other libraries in the +VG Architects portfolio include: Drayton library (Township of Mapleton, ON), Callander library (on Calnder Bay on the shores of Lake Nipissing, ON), Hillsburgh library (Wellington County, ON), Fergus library (Wellington County, ON), Peterborough library and Clearview library branch in Stayner, ON (northwest of Barrie).

From the OPL website.
Rosemount Revitalization.
Ottawa Public Library has engaged +VG Architects to design the revitalization of the Rosemount branch. This project will extensively renovate and refresh the branch, address building condition and accessibility issues, improve efficiencies, and modestly increase public floor space.
+VG Architects is an award-winning architectural firm known for innovative approaches to their design. Carnegie Library upgrade projects represent a core competency of their experience; having completed projects at eight of Ontario’s remaining Carnegie Libraries (more than 10%).
Overall Design Objectives:

• Provide functional, flexible library spaces by creating multi-use areas with open sightlines;
• Rehabilitate building elements, while retaining and complementing the building’s historic character;
• Address accessibility requirements;
• Address sustainability requirements;
• Address building code requirements;
• and Incorporate Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles.

Public input is a key to the success of the Rosemount Revitalization, and is set to begin in early Fall 2018. More information and specific dates to follow in September 2018. Construction is tentatively set to begin in April 2019, at which time the branch will be closed for revitalization. Service to the community will continue at a temporary site at 1207 Wellington Street West.

Photo Caption: Rosemount Branch of the Ottawa Public Library is about to embrace some much needed changes. Photo courtesy of R.E.A.D.