Status: Completed Project
Completion Date: April 13, 2024
Improvement Category: Improved Accessibility
Planning Zone: South East
Estimated Investment: $5.8 million
Architect: Emersion
Visit the Branch: View location page
The renovated Hyde Park Branch Library is now open! The branch, located in the heart of Hyde Park, underwent a floor-to-ceiling renovation, which included extensive interior upgrades and expanded meeting space while prioritizing accessibility improvements to the entrances, parking, restrooms, and throughout the building. The project, part of the Facility Master Plan South East planning zone, started in August 2022 and was completed in April 13, 2024.
Phase I
The first phase of the project began in August 2022. Crews improved the branch's sewage and drainage system under the existing parking lot.
Phase II
Crews made major accessibility improvements during Phase II of the project, which began September 30, 2022 and was completed on April 13, 2024.
Improvements in this phase of the project included:
- Brand-new flooring and comfortable furniture throughout the building
- Improved meeting room for a refreshed space to gather and meet
- Updated kids' area featuring special spaces for kids to play and discover
- New elevator providing convenient access to the entire building
- Fully accessible and larger restrooms for customers and families
Construction Gallery
Community Presentations
Week of April 15, 2024: The renovated and fully accessible Hyde Park Branch Library opened on April 13, 2024 at 10 a.m. after some brief remarks and a ribbon cutting.
Week of April 8, 2024: Come celebrate the reopening of the Hyde Park Branch Library at the Reopening Celebration on Saturday, April 13! The event starts with a ribbon-cutting and remarks from library leadership at 10 a.m. and continues with fun-filled activities for all ages until 4 p.m.
Week of February 12, 2024: The work on the elevator installation and interior renovation continues. The temporary branch library, 3764 Paxton Ave., will close at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2024, to give staff time to prepare to reopen the building in mid-April.
Week of January 22, 2024: Interior work is fully underway with framing and drywall installation ongoing on the 1st floor and lower level. Concrete pours on updated, fully-accessible entrances are complete with both vestibules nearing completion.
Week of December 11, 2023: A major milestone has been reached with the construction of the elevator shaft complete and all interior shoring removed. Work now continues on the elevator installation and interior renovation. The exterior sitework is complete on the front of the building.
Week of October 9, 2023: The work on the elevator installation is in progress. The interior renovation is ongoing and the final design of the technology needs has been completed. During the removal of one of the bricked-over windows on the lower level, an issue was uncovered with the emergency egress stairs from the second floor at the back of the building. As a result, the stairs will need to be replaced to comply with current code.
Week of October 2, 2023: Preliminary work on the new elevator installation has begun.
Week of August 1, 2023: The work on the soil remediation for the elevator installation has been finalized and is in progress. All of the demolition is complete and most of the new electric has been roughed in. Work continues for the new, at-grade rear entrance to the building.
Week of June 12, 2023:The work on the soil remediation for the elevator installation has been finalized and is in progress. All of the demolition is complete and most of the new electric has been roughed in. We expect to have an updated substantial completion date by the August 2023 Board of Trustees meeting.
Week of May 8, 2023: Interior demolition on the lower and first floors continues, including ceilings and HVAC systems.
Week of February 20, 2023: The interior stairwell has been removed, with additional interior demolition on the lower and first floors nearing completion.
Week of January 30, 2023: Furniture and shelving has been removed throughout the building. Existing flooring, carpeting, and baseboards have been demolished.
Week of January 2, 2023: With grading and sewer work nearing completion in the rear, expanded parking lot, preparations are being made as work on the interior of the building is set to begin in the upcoming weeks.
Week of December 19, 2022: Grading of the parking lot behind the building is progressing quickly, with concrete curbs poured around the perimeter of what will be the expanded parking lot.
Week of December 12, 2022: The Board approved the estimated GMP at the October Board meeting. The details are being finalized and work is expected to begin in the next few weeks. During the permitting process, Greater Cincinnati Water Works raised a concern about the property being on multiple parcels. We are working with the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office to consolidate the parcels and update the Library’s name.
Week of December 5, 2022: Interior work to begin soon. Additional fencing around the building will be built to accommodate work inside and outside the branch.
Week of November 21, 2022: Major work continues behind the building, in the parking lot area. Grading of that area continues, as shown in the photos posted to the gallery above.
Week of October 17, 2022: Demolition has begun, with all materials, shelving, furniture, and computers being removed from the building. Sewer work in the parking lot has progressed, which previews what will be the new grade of the parking lot and the building's rear entrance.
Week of September 16, 2022: The Library announced that the branch will be closed to the public beginning September 30, 2022. A temporary location will open October 6 in Hyde Park Plaza, 3764 Paxton Ave., until construction is complete in mid 2023. Find out more in this blog post.
Week of August 8, 2022: The planned work in Phase I for the parking lot by the neighboring development has been delayed and is planned to begin in the next several weeks. Phase II of the project is expected to begin in October and align with our interior renovations.
Week of July 18, 2022: The project timeline for Phase I is finalized, taking place August 1, 2022 through the end of the month. The branch's parking lot will not be accessible during this time.
Week of June 20, 2022: The two easements to access the sewer line in the Library’s rear parking lot were approved and the Library is working to finalize the details of the site improvements.
Week of April 20, 2022: Progress on the redevelopment plans of the property to the west of the branch continues. The demolition of the building is expected later this spring. The property's new owner has requested two easements to access the sewer line in the Library’s rear parking lot.
The redevelopment of the property next to the Library presented a unique opportunity to raise the elevation of the rear lot to a point where the accessibility ramp would no longer be necessary. In addition, there is an opportunity to expand the parking surface and increase the number of parking spots by 12 while also improving traffic flow and alleviating long-standing drainage problems of the lot.
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