REDEVELOPMENT STUDY:

1. REDEVELOPMENT STUDY: Confronted with an aging facility in need of major repair the PLYMC has decided to approach the West Branch as an opportunity to explore the development of a branch library model that will address the needs and aspirations of the community it serves. Rather than confining the scope of this study to identifying a litany of repairs and maintenance issues, the starting point is a new library program that embraces a fresh vision for providing library services to the west side neighborhoods. From this new program, architectural solutions are presented with a corresponding description of related work and cost estimates. The result details what the West Branch could become and the data required by the PLYMC to determine the best course of action.

2. Existing West Branch Interior View of Children’s Collection NEW BRANCH PROGRAM: With reduced usage and an aging facility requiring major repairs it is time to consider a new building program for the West Branch that will attract a larger audience and offer existing patrons a reinvigorated experience. By presenting a refocused set of collections and updated roster of activities within an attractive environment the West Branch can become a more vital part of the community. The new branch program not only modifies the functions and materials of the library for its future but it readdresses its goals. • Program Considerations: • Appropriate Scope: Collections and services proportionate to the area of service and the relationship those collections and services would have in the context of the PLYMC system. • Model Programming: Components of branch libraries in the PLYMC that have proven successful, such as open central service stations, study rooms, teen areas, and multipurpose • Community Conversations: Since 2010 the PLYMC has engaged the local community in a series of conversations from which the following general criteria has emerged • Quality Facility & Services • Regional Aspirations • Neighborhood Center • Electronic Information

3. NEW BRANCH PROGRAM OUTLINE: • Collections: Provide streamline and focused collections based on local lending patterns and system-wide trending rather than attempting to maintain a large permanent collection that would occupy space needed for newer and more in-demand activities • Multipurpose Room: A priority for the public in is the inclusion of a community gathering space. To be fully utilized this space or room will need to accommodate many functions including open and scheduled library programing as well as public meeting room for community organizations. • Study/Teen Room:Intended for teen activities, small meetings, individual work space, and group study. • Service Center: A single centrally located service station shall be open to allow staff to fully monitor the public areas of the branch • Public Computer Area:With wireless capability throughout facility, public access computers, hand-held tablets, & power outlets shall be provided in various locations and shall be paired with a controlled printing station • Entry Vestibule • Public Toilet Rooms: Minimum of two ADA toilet rooms to accommodate Men’s and Women’s banked together and within sightline of Service Center • Staff Zone and Support Functions: • Workroom • Staff Toilet Room • Receiving/Storage • Janitor Closet • Mechanical Closet • Data/Electrical Closet • Return Bins • Building Area:Based on the scope of the new program and new branches with comparable service areas the area needed to accommodate the redeveloped West Branch should range between 5,000 – 6,000 square feet.

4. OPTION 1: Renovate Existing West Branch Under Option 1 the PLYMC would provide a comprehensive set of repairs, alterations and improvements to the existing facility at 2815 Mahoning Ave. on Youngstown’s west side. This option would resolve building condition and maintenance problems, while satisfying significant portions of the preceding program. The following two pages contain schematic floor plans documenting proposed renovations for Option 1. They include a Proposed Demolition Plan and Proposed Floor Plan that maps out the numerous alterations, improvements and repairs required to satisfy the new branch program. It is straightforward in its attempt to economically resolve inherent conflicts within this awkward building that has experienced multiple additions and modifications over the years. Existing West Branch Exterior View of Entry Porch

7. OPTION 1: Renovate Existing West Branch • Summary of Proposed Alterations, Improvements , & Repairs • Repairs • Major repairs to roof and basement walls • Reutilization • Eliminate Service Wing • Reconfigure upper level of 1920’s Wing • ADA & OBC Compliancy • New Toilet Rooms • Elevator access to Multipurpose Room • Correct existing stair and rails • New Service Counter • Energy Efficiency • Improve insulation value of exterior shell • Replace heating & ventilation system • Replace lighting throughout • Addition • New entry/exit off parking lot • Elevator and associated stair & lobby • ADA Toilet Rooms • Book Drop off parking lot • Study/Teen Room • Interior Finishes & Furnishings • Reconfigure Staff Zone • Remove existing partitions and construct new cluster Staff functions together • Allow staff greater ease in monitoring the facility and eliminate possible security • Site Improvements • Add Patio • Other improvements include new lighting, limited sidewalks, & wayfinding signage

8. OPTION 2: Adapt Existing Warming House at Wick Park Recreational Area, Mill Creek Park Option 2 creates a new vision for the West Branch redevelopment that invites one to reconsider the possibilities about a branch library’s ability to accommodate expanded functions. Based on a 2010 recommendation the PLYMC investigated other sites within the service area that would capture more value for the community’s capital investment and operating dollars while strengthening the library and the neighborhood. The most promising of these is the possible partnership with Mill Creek MetroParks to adapt their existing Warming House in the Wick Recreational Area (WRA) for the West Branch library. The following two pages contain schematic plans documenting proposed renovations for Option 2. They include a Proposed Floor Plan and Proposed Site Plan that maps out the alterations, improvements and repairs required to required to satisfy the new branch Library program and MetroParks criteria. Existing Warming House Exterior View of Entry

11. OPTION 2: Adapt Existing Warming House at Wick Park Recreational Area, Mill Creek Park • Summary of Proposed Alterations, Improvements , & Repairs • Exterior Renovations • General repair is good and only minor renovations are requires • Existing slate roof has another 50 years in life cycle • Renovations include new windows and doors • Addition • Materials and aesthetic to compliment existing • Contains Multipurpose Room, Lobby, Toilet Rooms and Study/Teen Room • Interior Renovations • Accommodates Library program • Retain Refrectory for Library Hall • Reconfigure east bay for collections • Energy Efficiency • Improve insulation value of exterior shell • Replace heating & ventilation system • Replace lighting throughout • Interior Finishes & Furnishings • Site Improvements • Necessary Site Improvements include extending Wick Dr. sidewalk, entry sidewalk, replacement of existing pavement with lawn, improved lighting, and new signage • Recommended Site Improvements include extending Wick Dr. w/ new rotary, new entry plaza, new terraces, and “Reading Rink”

12. Probable Estimate of Project Cost • The probable estimate of project cost for each option presented here results from limited, early stage studies created for discussion purposes with the Library Board and the neighborhood. Therefore, cost estimates should be understood as general and preliminary figures that will need to be updated and refined when and if the project progresses beyond this early stage. Resources used in determining the estimate include the following: • Means Repair and Remodeling Cost Data (2013 Edition) • Consultations with local building contractors • Cost standards set in the local market through competitive bidding • From these resources various methodologies of calculating cost were implemented to reflect as accurately as possible the project’s scope-of-work as defined within this study.

13. STUDY SUMMARY • Two options for redevelopment are outlined within this study. Both options fulfill the goals of the new program, although Option 2 offers attractive additional opportunities. There is enough difference between the two options to allow the PLYMC to compare and contrast them in terms of location, size, configuration, programming, potential for partnership, and cost. The following recaps and details these facets. • Location • 1.25 miles apart • Busy urban thoroughfare of Option 1 vs. park setting of Option 2 • Option 2 has a more centralized location within West Side/ Cornersburg • Localized site of Option1 vs. regional site of Option2 • Size • Option 1 = 7,498sf (17% ambulation) • Option 2 = 5,580sf (8% ambulation) • Option 2 has more efficient plan as it satisfies new branch program with less space • Configuration • Option 1 continues to be hampered by level change of the 1920’s wing • Option 2 has advantage of incorporating outdoor space for a unique library experience • Programming • Option 1 costs approximately $400k more than Option 2 • Option 2 satisfies the new branch program • Cost • Option 1 costs approximately $400k more than Option 2 • Option 2 satisfies the new branch program with less capital investment • Option 2 will require less operating and maintenance costs because of its small footprint and shared site operations with Mill Creek MetroParks