Renew The Library

DOUG HABERMAN, March 12, 2009

Riverside OKs downtown renovation proposal that calls for demolishing, rebuilding library

RIVERSIDE - An ambitious plan for the Riverside Municipal Auditorium, Riverside Metropolitan Museum and Main Library has won City Council approval.

It calls for renovating the auditorium, rehabilitating and expanding the museum and demolishing the library and building a new one on the site. The projects would cost up to $80 million, said City Manager Brad Hudson.

Voters eventually would be asked to approve a ballot measure -- probably a parcel tax to support a bond, Hudson said Wednesday -- to raise as much as $55 million of the cost. The ballot measure is at least two years away, he said.

The council approved the plan 5-0 on Tuesday.

The city expects to have at least $25 million available for the projects from the eventual sale of more than 150 acres known as Pellisier Ranch that it owns in Colton, Hudson said.

The city also would attempt to obtain private-sector contributions.

The council's vote ended more than a year of discussion about the fate of the library and museum after the demise -- because of public opposition -- of a proposal to build a joint expansion of the two facilities.

The Raincross Group, a civic advocacy organization with about 50 members, won community support for its proposal for a 100,000-square-foot library and a 30,000-square-foot museum expansion behind the existing museum.

Hudson added the auditorium to the mix. It needs $15 million in improvements to the roof, the sound and lighting systems and the seating and a seismic retrofit, he and Councilman Mike Gardner said.

The museum needs an $11 million seismic retrofit and other improvements.

Hudson previously recommended an expansion of 18,000 to 20,000 square feet behind the museum to create room for major traveling exhibitions, but the museum board wanted 30,000 square feet. Hudson changed his recommendation on Tuesday to say that the ultimate expansion size will be determined by the space available and the space needed for exhibitions and programs.

The biggest decision for the council was whether to expand the 60,000-square-foot Main Library or demolish it and build a 100,000-square-foot facility that blends in better with the surrounding historic buildings.

Gardner said the library doesn't even have windows, except in the basement and at the entrance.

"I think we end up with a far better building if we start over," he said.

Among the groups supporting the Hudson proposal were the Committee to Renew the Library and the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce.

Gardner and Councilwoman Nancy Hart said a ballot measure could win voter approval provided the economy turns around.

"All you have to do is prove to the people that their money is going to be well spent," Hart said.

Residents will have many more opportunities to be involved in the library design process, Hudson said. The council vote authorized up to $50,000 for library architects to come up with several designs for consideration.

Reach Doug Haberman at 951-368-9644 or dhaberman@PE.com.


DOUG HABERMAN, March 12, 2009 Riverside OKs downtown renovation proposal that calls for demolishing, rebuilding library RIVERSIDE - An ambitious plan for the Riverside Municipal Auditorium, Riverside Metropolitan Museum and Main Library has won City Council approval. It calls for renovating the auditorium, rehabilitating and expanding the museum and demolishing the library and building a new one on the site. The projects would cost up to $80 million, said City Manager Brad Hudson. Voters eventually would be asked to approve a ballot measure -- probably a parcel tax to support a bond, Hudson said Wednesday -- to raise as much as $55 million of the cost. The ballot measure is at least two years away, he said. The council approved the plan 5-0 on Tuesday. The city expects to have at least $25 million available for the projects from the eventual sale of more than 150 acres known as Pellisier Ranch that it owns in Colton, Hudson said. The city also would attempt to obtain private-sector contributions. The council's vote ended more than a year of discussion about the fate of the library and museum after the demise -- because of public opposition -- of a proposal to build a joint expansion of the two facilities. The Raincross Group, a civic advocacy organization with about 50 members, won community support for its proposal for a 100,000-square-foot library and a 30,000-square-foot museum expansion behind the existing museum. Hudson added the auditorium to the mix. It needs $15 million in improvements to the roof, the sound and lighting systems and the seating and a seismic retrofit, he and Councilman Mike Gardner said. The museum needs an $11 million seismic retrofit and other improvements. Hudson previously recommended an expansion of 18,000 to 20,000 square feet behind the museum to create room for major traveling exhibitions, but the museum board wanted 30,000 square feet. Hudson changed his recommendation on Tuesday to say that the ultimate expansion size will be determined by the space available and the space needed for exhibitions and programs. The biggest decision for the council was whether to expand the 60,000-square-foot Main Library or demolish it and build a 100,000-square-foot facility that blends in better with the surrounding historic buildings. Gardner said the library doesn't even have windows, except in the basement and at the entrance. "I think we end up with a far better building if we start over," he said. Among the groups supporting the Hudson proposal were the Committee to Renew the Library and the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce. Gardner and Councilwoman Nancy Hart said a ballot measure could win voter approval provided the economy turns around. "All you have to do is prove to the people that their money is going to be well spent," Hart said. Residents will have many more opportunities to be involved in the library design process, Hudson said. The council vote authorized up to $50,000 for library architects to come up with several designs for consideration. Reach Doug Haberman at 951-368-9644 or dhaberman@PE.com.