Athena Library Friends Association [ALFA]
NEW LIBRARY FACILITY

The new library building will be constructed at the Main Street property where the current library stands. This property was deeded as a gift to the City of Athena in 1958 by the Vernita Watts Adams and Foster family estates for use in perpetuity as a library site. Additional land has been donated by Bill Ezell of Ezell Construction. In February 2006, based on preliminary architectural and technical assessments, the project budget was designated at $760,590. In OCtober of 2006, based on additional research, more detailed design development, increases in material costs, and current building cost indices for the northeastern Oregon area, the ALFA board revised the project budget to $864,469 in October 2006.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE:

needs assessment, alternative sites evaluation, property survey, engineering study, geo-technical analysis

Ford Family Foundation technical assistance grant for project planning, capital campaign strategies, consultant fees

schematic and design development displays rotated around town at bank, library, NAPA, and post office

communications and project visibility through newspaper articles, ALFA Connection newsletter, public meetings, presentations at City Council and other groups

support letters from PARTNERS Promoting Athena, UCSLD, Libraries of Eastern Oregon, Library Board, Blue Mountain Community College, US Bank, Western Farms, Oregon Wheat Growers, the Athena-Weston School Board, and others

City Council support and process outline Resolution 2006-01 passed 2006

fundraisers including ice cream social, auction, dinner, Cycle Oregon hosting, heritage calendars, coin collection jugs, quilt raffle, and notecard sales

temporary library space accepted at City Hall in the former ambulance bay area; storage space found at Western Farm Service, courtesy of manager Dean Parker

over $770,000 in assets and funds raised and committed to library building project as of May 2007 from awarded grants, fundraisers, and community commitments

LIBRARY NEEDS:

Public meetings and work sessions throughout have determined that the following are critical components for the new facility in the view of community members and leaders:

advanced technical center for lifelong learning, business economic development, youth career development, and the like
expanded space for storytimes and elementary school programs
access that meets legal standards for handicapped persons, including entries, aisles, bathroom
teen reading and study/tutorial space
local history archival space that meets preservation standards, with display space
an adult program area, including space for viewing video and DVD and holding other events
adequate table areas for researchers to spread out and work
augmented staff work area
welcoming, appealing civic addition on Main Street in keeping with downtown revitalization goals
connection/transition between the Sunset Housing development and the downtown core
a value for money energy-efficient building that will serve the community adequately for decades to come

PROJECT TIMELINE

February 2006	Final report by architectural consultant team at Feb. 21st ALFA annual meeting. Annual ALFA membership drive.
Feb-March 2006	Final process elements in place with City Council for architect/contractor procedures, building oversight process, and committee. City Council Resolution passed.
Feb-Dec. 2006	Grant writing, donation solicitations, and special fundraising events continue
April–May 2006	RFP advertising and packet distribution to architectural firms.
June-July 2006	Architect selection: Fred C. Gast, Jr., FAIA
August 2006	Architect contract signed; contract reviews pro bono by attorney Sam Tucker
June-Oct. 2006	Architectural planning, budget fine-tuning, artwork solicitations. Continuation of furnishings and fixtures research.
Sept-Dec. 2006	Work sessions and completion of design development. Initiate construction drawings.
December 2006	Achievement of capital campaign fund-raising proportions, i.e., minimum of 30% local and a maximum of 70% from external philanthropy.
Jan. 2007-Feb. 2007	Final construction drawings/plans readied. City Planning Commission, City Council, and State Building Office submissions/presentations. Evaluation of financial status. Construction phase planning. SOQs from contractor/cosntruction firms. Pre-bid conference. RFPs and selection of contractor.
February-March 2007	ALFA Annual Meeting and report to the membership. Permits, specifications, construction material orders final.
Feb.-Sept. 2007	Follow-up grant proposals and fundraisers to fulfill any financing gaps.
April 2007	Transfer library to temporary quarters .
June-July 2007	Demolition and site preparation/development; ground-breaking.
June-August 2007	Finalization of interior furnishings orders to ensure timely deliveries; public artwork designed and commissioned.
Jan-Feb 2008	Grand opening of new Athena library.

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Website updated January 15, 2007. Questions or suggestions about the website? Please contact

LINKS
Athena Public Library
Athena Community Website
Athena News

Athena Library Friends Association [ALFA] NEW LIBRARY FACILITY

Athena Library Friends Association [ALFA]
NEW LIBRARY FACILITY