Emanuel, City Officials Break Ground On Branch Library Projects

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Mayor Rahm Emanuel, joined by Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) and Chicago Public Library (CPL), announced the beginning of construction on three co-located housing and library developments being built across the city.

“My view is what we’re breaking ground on is community,” Emanuel said. “When we unite the strengths of our neighborhood libraries with great housing that is affordable and accessible, it is truly the best of both worlds.”

The mayor said the Roosevelt Branch Library, being built at the base of the new Taylor Street Apartments, will bring all types of people together.

We are co-locating housing and public libraries in an innovative way to connect and build communities across Chicago, which will be designed by several of the City’s top architecture firms. @chipublib @theCHAtweets pic.twitter.com/H6i4L7rBEJ

— Mayor Rahm Emanuel (@ChicagosMayor) January 28, 2018

Along with what the city calls “world class designs,” the 73-unit project is expected to include 37 units of CHA housing and close to 30 affordable apartments.

“I guarantee you one thing, people from around the country and around the globe will come see what’s happening right here in this neighborhood and the other parts of the city,” Emanuel said. “Chicago is breaking the mold of what world-class libraries and housing can look like, and staying at the cutting edge of creating shared spaces that bring communities together.”

Last summer, more than 500 residents signed a petition asking city officials to reconsider the project, which they fear will lead to more crime in the area.

RELATED: Architects Selected To Design New Library And Housing Facilities

The housing and library developments were designed by three architecture and design firms, which were selected following a design competition sponsored by the City of Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development. The competition was part of Mayor Emanuel’s vision to break away from the “cookie-cutter” designs that are common to government buildings.

Similar construction is also getting underway at the North Town and Independence libraries in the West Ridge and Irving Park communities.

Concept designs for the new Independence (left) and Northtown branches of the Chicago Public Library, designed by architecture firms John Ronan Architects and Perkins+Will, respectively. | City of Chicago

from CBS Chicago http://ift.tt/2DIC2Ge