The Milwaukee Public Library is seeking private sector real estate development partners to do mixed-use developments of library sites, similar to projects done for the Villard Square Branch and for the East Branch on North Avenue, which is part of HSI Properties’ The Standard at East Library project that is under construction.
The Milwaukee Public Library is asking developers to submit information on current and potential projects that could be compatible with a library, for four neighborhood libraries in the city that are slated for replacement. MPL today released a request for interest from developments interested in doing mixed-use projects with libraries to replace the: Forest Home Library, 1432 W. Forest Home Ave.; Mill Road Library, 6431 N. 76th St.; Martin Luther King Library, 310 W. Locust St,; or Capitol Library, 3969 N. 74th St.
“We are excited to hear from developers in the community that have an interest in working with us,” said Library Director Paula Kiely. “Over the last six years, MPL will replace four of our neighborhood libraries with mixed-use buildings much like we are doing at the new East Branch and the recently opened Villard Square Branch (at 5190 N. 35th St.). This is an exciting venture for MPL and for city residents who will benefit from having a new, technology-rich 21st Century library in their neighborhood that is also a catalyst for economic and neighborhood development and stability.”
The city has budgeted $22.4 million for the library projects. MPL says it plans to spend $4.4 million to $4.5 million on each library. In all, five branch libraries will be renovated or replaced. The Tippecanoe Library will be fully renovated, but will remain in the same building at 3912 S. Howell Ave.
An open house about the library projects will be held on Monday, Sept. 8, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Forest Home Library, 1432 W. Forest Home Ave.
Statements of interest from developers are due by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 30. More information is available at: mpl.org/about/library_development.php.
