City transfers property for library expansion

Avon City Council approved an agreement with the Lorain Public Library System to sell a 2-acre parcel for the expansion of the Avon branch library.

On March 8, council agreed to sell the land located on the south side of the present structure on Harvest Drive, bringing the expansion one step closer to reality.

“We have been leasing the property to the library since 1994 for $1 a year. And all we want to do here is transfer the property over to the library so when the new building is attached to the existing building there are no liabilities or anything,” said Avon Law Director John Gasior.

Gasior sent a memo outlining eight reasons why council should agree to the property transfer and under the agreement, the property would be transferred back to the city should it not be used by the library.

On Feb. 4 council received updates from project manager Jason Nolde of GPD Group who said the company is in the middle of the design concept phase and are aiming to balance traditional and contemporary elements in the expansion that will double the size of the current facility located at 37485 Harvest Drive.

The plans will include a reading garden, a driveup window and aesthetics aimed at staying in line with the historic French Creek district.

The estimated $9 million project will add 16,000 square feet for a total of 26,867 square feet bringing the facility in line with

the needs of the Avon community.

The land acquisition directly south of the library will enable expansion into that area with current plans indicating the administration area will be located on the south side of the building to accommodate the new drive-up window.

The interior of the building will have expanded meeting room capacities, technology upgrades and a dedicated space for children and youth programming.

The project is scheduled to break ground in June with a tentative completion

The plans will include a reading garden, a driveup window and aesthetics aimed at staying in line with the historic French Creek district.

date of June 2022.

In May 2020 voters approved a 20-year 2-mill levy to finance the expansion.

COURTESY The proposed floor plan for the Avon branch of the Lorain Public Library System would double the facility’s current size. Avon City Council approved an agreement to sell a 2-acre parcel of land directly south of the current structure to accommodate the expansion.

COURTESY The proposed site plan for the Avon branch of the Lorain Public Library System would double the facility’s current size. Avon City Council approved an agreement to sell a two-acre parcel of land directly south of the current structure to accommodate the expansion.