No progress for new downtown library

Just as in September, the library board had nothing to report Thursday about a new downtown library.

It has become a recurring theme. The library board is ready to move forward, and is waiting for the Cedar Rapids City Council to choose the downtown library's location.

Until the council chooses where the downtown library will be built, the library board cannot commission an architect to design the building, and it cannot raise private money to help fund construction.

Hopes for a quick resolution were further dimmed this week when the city announced it will postpone its open houses on the future of city buildings until mid-November, after the election.

“Our situation hasn't really changed over the last month,” Library Board Member Doug Elliott said. “It is the city's process at this point.”

The library board has already identified three primary options for the downtown library. One is the True North site across Fourth Avenue SE from Greene Square Park. A second is the site of Skogman Homes' main office at 411 First Ave. SE. The third is on First Avenue SE between Seventh and Eighth Streets. The council is struggling now to determine which property can be bought at the right price, Elliott said.

City staff are trying to navigate the real estate market to give the City Council solid information on what each site would cost, council member Brian Fagan said.

“We are price-sensitive, because of the amount of building in front of us,” he said. It's possible, Fagan added, the council could make a decision before the open houses.

Council member Tom Podzimek has said the library and Central Fire Station are top priorities for the council.

About $32 million in federal and state dollars have been committed to the project. A grand opening is still more than two years away. It's not getting any closer.

“But you know, once we get the site location figured out, watch out,” Library Board President Susan Corrigan said. “We are ready to go.”