The Preserve and Renew Our Carnegie Library Task Force recently sent out an update about its activities and other information regarding the historic building’s expansion and modernization.

The city of Manitou Springs, which owns the building that opened in 1911, has received the topographical survey of the property at 701 Manitou Ave. That will allow the RATIO architectural firm to continue with the design process.

Among other benefits, the expansion will bring the building into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. In March 2021, the Pikes Peak Library District moved its operations into the Manitou Art Center complex at 513 and 515 Manitou Ave., and will remain there until the Carnegie building meets legal standards.

The task force is waiting for a revised schedule for the final approval process, which will include decisions from the Historic Preservation Commission, the City Planning Commission and City Council. Those entities’ meetings will be open to the public for community feedback.

A 3D model is being created that will give additional insight into the proposed structural redesign.

The task force also shared minutes from its early June meeting. Michael Doherty, PPLD’s West Region director, joined the meeting to reaffirm the district’s commitment to the project.

City Administrator Denise Howell meets bi-monthly with task force representatives to confer about progress and next steps.

Members also discussed plans to meet with the people involved in remodeling and updating Cañon City’s Carnegie Library, which opened in 1902.

On June 12, City Council met for a budget meeting and work session that included discussion of the library project and a presentation on the remodel funding options. 

That presentation included information on estimated construction costs as of April 5, 2022. 

The total amount required for remodeling was estimated at $3.2 million. To start construction, 80 percent ($2,560,000) must be in hand, and the balance ($640,000) will come from a community fundraising campaign.

City Council heard options for raising that $2,560,000. They are:

  Bonding, which offers three types — general obligation, property tax and sales tax bonds; and

  Certificate of participation, which includes using the library and other city-owned buildings as collateral for obtaining funds.

More information, including the pros and cons of each option, is available at tinyurl.com/ManitouCivicClerk. (Scroll down and click on Considerations for Funding the Library Remodel and Library Remodel Financing Alternatives.)

Project information also is available in the kiosk at the corner of the library property, Pawnee and Manitou avenues.

The task force members will meet 4-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 5, via Zoom. For more information: www.manitouspringsgov.com/633/_Carnegie-Library.

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