The demolition schedule for the former Marion Public Library building has been formally set. At its regular meeting Feb. 23, the Marion City Council voted unanimously to approve a contract with DW Zinser of Walford for $117,900 to demolish the one-time library building at 1095 Sixth Ave., which was built in 1996. The 2020 derecho […]
The demolition schedule for the former Marion Public Library building has been formally set.
At its regular meeting Feb. 23, the Marion City Council voted unanimously to approve a contract with DW Zinser of Walford for $117,900 to demolish the one-time library building at 1095 Sixth Ave., which was built in 1996.
The 2020 derecho heavily damaged the building and resulted in the loss of about 20% of the library’s collection. The building has since fallen into disrepair and is no longer considered safe for occupancy, city officials say.
The city’s Planning and Zoning Commission approved the demolition request Feb. 14 as part of a review under the Marion Central Corridor Review standards.
Demolition is set to begin soon and be completed by May 26, according to the contract approved by the council.
The new Marion Public Library, in the 1100 block of Sixth Avenue, opened in November 2022. CREDIT RICHARD PRATT
The city’s new, $18 million Marion Public Library, just east of the former library facility at 1101 Sixth Ave., opened to the public in November. Planning for the new library began in 2016 after city leaders determined the facility was too restrictive to accommodate the city’s growing population and need for library services.
The 42 parking spaces at the former library site will be retained for use after the demolition, city officials said, and the building site itself will be seeded for use as a public greenspace. Long-term plans call for redevelopment of the site, but no formal plans have yet been submitted.
The Uptown Main Street design commission requested consideration of reuse of materials from the old library, such as bike racks, benches, and cornerstones. As a result, the bike racks will be removed and stored for a future location. The benches outside the building, however, are unable to be reused due to damage to the legs from salt and sand.
Leaders indicated a desire for the old library’s cornerstone to be salvaged for display elsewhere.
The council also noted the annual Marion State of the City speech, slated for March 8 at 11:30 a.m. at the Cedar Rapids Marriott.
