Week of August 12, 2024: The design and cost-estimating process is wrapping up for the project. We are working hard to maintain costs while incorporating energy-saving features.

In order to expedite the project, we will begin demolition while the project is being bid and the GMP (guaranteed maximum price) is being compiled.

We anticipate the new branch GMP for the Symmes Township New Branch in October 2024.

After the approval at the June 2024 Board Meeting, the Library executed a lease on the temporary space at Governors Way. The Library Facilities Team is preparing the space, and we expect to move to the location in early October.

Week of June 10, 2024: Two phases of the project are planned to begin soon: The first GMP will include demolition and site work. We intend to have this GMP at the August 2024 meeting of the Library's Board of Trustees. The second GMP will be for the building construction, and we are targeting October 2024 for issuance.

A temporary location at 9267 Governor’s Way, Cincinnati, Ohio 45249, approximately .5 miles from the branch, will provide space for basic service during the construction including holds pickup, material returns, passport service, limited programs, and a curated collection.

Week of June 3, 2024: Tests for the planned new building's geothermal energy system will begin Monday, June 10 through Tuesday, June 11. The test will occur away from the branch and toward the back of the property, but there may be noticeable noise during this time.

The branch will remain open with no interruptions to services or parking.

Week of April 8, 2024: We have spent a considerable amount of time and resources over the last year developing and evaluating design options to improve the branch parking lot, pedestrian and traffic safety, and service operations at our system’s busiest branch. During the process, the estimates to renovate and create a small addition were between $8 million – $10 million. Considering the lack of options to make cost-efficient and significant improvements, and given a rare opportunity for the Library to take advantage of tax reduction energy incentives, the Library is now considering a plan to demolish the existing structure and construct a new larger branch that is planned to include solar panels and a geothermal energy system.

The preliminary estimate for the project’s 22,000-square-foot building is approximately $16 million. We are seeking a temporary location to provide service during construction (approximately September 2024 – November 2025) and plan to engage with the community in April.

We will engage the services of JS Held on this project.

Week of December 11, 2023: After a successful community engagement at the Symmes Township Branch Customer Appreciation Day in October, we began working with SHP on this project. We continue to work through the design details and are hopeful to share more details in 2024.

Week of October 8, 2023: We have been working over the last year to maximize the site and the interior of the branch while improving traffic flow and branch entry. We recently engaged JS Held to take a fresh look at the site and provide feedback on the options.

After meeting with the design professionals and Turner Construction, we have an updated plan that we plan to share with the staff and customers. We hope to return to the project design this fall.

Week of March 31, 2023: A community engagement session took place on March 31, 2023. The session was an opportunity to share feedback and learn more about the Symmes Township Branch Library renovations.

Week of December 12, 2022: Scope design continues in collaboration with internal and external partners, including a potential addition to the building and parking lot improvements.

Week of December 5, 2022: Work continues with internal and external partners in scope development for the project.