Josephine Community Library has announced the final selection of the design concept for a new, state-of-the-art library in downtown Grants Pass.
After extensive outreach and years of planning, local library leaders have selected a single-story, 22,000-square-foot design that will anchor a new community hub in the plaza bordered by 6th, 7th, J and K streets.
The Josephine Community Library Foundation hosted a series of eight community listening sessions with ZCS Engineering & Architecture and surveyed participants. More than 60% of survey respondents favored "Concept A," a modern, one-story design featuring a secure outdoor courtyard, expanded spaces for children and teens, meeting rooms and potential for future expansion.
The library district and foundation recently held a joint board session with 25 library leaders who reviewed survey results and unanimously confirmed the choice of Concept A. Considerations included budget constraints, staffing limitations, funding challenges and balancing immediate versus long term needs, with future enhancements likely to follow after the library is established in the new building.
The project is estimated to cost about $26 million and will be rolled out in phases to ensure uninterrupted access to services while fundraising and construction are in progress.
To date, the library foundation has secured significant financial support including a $425,000 grant from the State of Oregon's Cultural Resource Economic Fund and a $500,000 anonymous donation through the Oregon Community Foundation. These funds will allow the project to move into the design and site preparation phases.
