MLK Library: Eyesore or Modern Masterpiece?

Martin Luther King, Jr. Central Library, Washington, DC. Washington Post photo.

Stuart Gosswein writes:

Last Thursday, the Washington Post published an article outlining Mayor Williams' funding proposals for DC public libraries, including construction of a new central library.

Here are a few follow-up thoughts on MLK.

1) In November 2005, the Mayor's blue ribbon library task force estimated costs to construct the central library at $280 million (without site acquisition). According to the article it is now only $180 million. In the era of construction overruns, costs usually go up, not down.

2) A developer is going to pay the city $100 million for leasing rights to MLK, and then spend its own money to renovate MLK. How much will it cost the developer to renovate MLK? If this is cost-effective for the developer, it seems like it would be even more cost-effective for the city since it would not have to construct a new central library. The city could also subsidize costs by leasing the rights for the public land set aside at old convention center site.

3) In a letter dated February 20, 2006, the Committee of 100 asked the city's chief financial officer, Nat Gandhi, to undertake a cost analysis on renovating MLK vs. building a new structure. The letter to Dr. Gandhi was copied to the library task force and all members of the DC Council. There has been no response from Dr. Gandhi to date.

We need those numbers in order to debate this issue. (The numbers for renovating MLK must be consistent with those numbers private developers will propose if Mayor Williams issues an RFP to convert the building to another use.)

4) If MLK is flexible enough to be converted into other uses, why can't it be adapted for the 21st Century library? Conversely, if MLK was "built before the age of computers" (a reason cited by the library task force for abandoning the building), then it cannot be converted into an office building, department store, hotel, etc. since they also require computers and other electronics. Can't have it both ways on that argument.

5) The task force cites the new Seattle library as a comparison. That building is 362,987 sq. ft. MLK is nearly 400,000 sq. feet and can accommodate another one or two stories. Seems like there is plenty of flexible space in MLK to create the 21st Century library.

6) When is the task force going to inform the public that the new facility it is proposing will have an office or hotel component, and the office or hotel will get the prime space? The task force is proposing a compromised vision. It won't be a stand-alone facility like the Seattle library. The task force should cite flagship 21st Century libraries that mix private/public spaces. Not sure any exist.

It is time to ask the tough questions and get accurate answers.
________________
Note that I think that planning for a new or revitalized central library should (1) combine "city museum" cultural heritage aspects; (2) possibly "visitor center" aspects; as well as (3) comprehensive master planning for archival needs including the special Washingtoniana Collection of the DC Public Library System, the Sumner Museum and Archives of the DC Public Schools System, the DC Archives, and the historical records of the DC Recorder of Deeds.

I can go either way on keeping-refurbishing the Central Library where it is or building a new one. I just want a great Central Library (and a great library system) and one that is more flexible. Note that I am writing this from the Lauinger Library at Georgetown, because I need to look at some books that they have, and they are open Sunday night, unlike the DC Libraries.

I will say that I don't have the fear of mixed use that many have. Frankly, mixed-primary uses is something pushed by Jane Jacobs in The Death and Life of Great American Cities more than 40 years ago.

See this previous blog entry: Central Library Planning efforts and the City Museum, how about some learning from Augusta, Maine ... and Baltimore? as well as this one: Mixed use comes to the (Redford Township, Michigan) library.

Finally, the real issue is that DC Government agencies do a terrible job maintaining the properties--our public assets--for which they are responsible.

I'll admit, the deplorable condition of the MLK Library had me falling into the same "blaming the building" trap that I frequently accuse others of suffering from...

Buildings or neighborhoods called dilapidated, run-down, blight, eyesores, nuisances, decrepit, (etc.) are victims (and survivors) of disinvestment.

The solution is not demolition, but investment instead of disinvestment. And maintenance and/or rehabilitation is the proper response to neglect or demolition-by-neglect.

Seattle Central Library. Image from the AIA.

Index Keywords: libraries