Escondido Takes First Step Toward Fulfilling Dream of a New Library and Hip CBD
Source: Patricia Kirk October 25, 2016 Bisnow SD
The proposed
site (upper left corner of image) for relocation of the Escondido Library would
insert the facility into the community to serve as a catalyst for development
and does not require a parking structure because it is adjacent to existing
city parking for Grape Day Park.
The
Escondido City Council last week moved forward on plans to build a new library,
expand Grape Day Park (pictured), and ultimately create a hip downtown core
with a mix of residential and commercial development. The proposal calls for
establishing a public-private partnership and bond issue for up to $100M, which
would require a two-thirds majority vote by city residents to bring the project
to fruition. The city plans to issue a request for qualifications and engage in
conversations with developers meeting the city’s criteria in the very near
future.
Council-member Olga Diaz said the bond measure includes everything the council can envision
for the expanded park. At least $41M in bonds is required to finance the $55.9M
library, with other funding sources, including sales of the existing library
building ($2.5M), New Tax Credits ($10M) and energy savings($2.5M), making up
the difference.
Escondido
mayor Sam Abed said the selected developer could be asked to develop the public
components at a competitive cost in exchange for the ability to develop the CBD’s
commercial and residential, revenue-generating components. He said the first
step is to engage citizens by holding public meetings to gather their input and
support. A citizen poll by city staff indicated overwhelming support for a bond
issue to build a new library-more support than a plan to rehab and expand the
existing library at cost of about $39M.
The council agreed
a new library should be built at the intersection of Washington Avenue and
Escondido Boulevard, between Woodward and Washington avenues. The site affords
the greatest opportunity for creating a synergy to space commercial and
residential projects that would activate the CBD. The estimated $55.9M library
cost includes acquisition of the land; relocation of businesses the now occupy
the site; expansion of Grape Day Park north to Washington Avenue; and
potentially adding amenities, including an Olympic-size competition swimming
pool and an amphitheater.
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