CRPL design makes city less attractive

New Cedar Rapids Public Library: Great location, not so sure about the design. I was hoping the city would take advantage of this opportunity to create something that would complement our art museum, and the lovely church that surround our gem, Greene Square Park.

I am so disappointed in the choice of the new design. Did anyone take into consideration the beautiful buildings surrounding the park? I don't see it. Or did they try to establish a flow between the library and the parkade? Well done.

The price tag is staggering for a building that I believe will age poorly. I was hoping for something that looked as though it's been there the whole time. Not something that looks as though it belongs next to the Space Needle in Seattle.

I wish Cedar Rapids would embrace the charm that is left and try to continue that theme when designing new buildings. Perhaps it's too late. With the exception of the Oakhill Jackson Brickstones, a perfect example of continuity in a neighborhood looking as though it belongs, Cedar Rapids is becoming a mess of mismatched buildings, making our city less and less attractive.

Bonnie Toben

Cedar Rapids