APPENDIX “A”

MARKHAM VILLAGE LIBRARY EXPANSION

REPORT ON OPTIONS 1, 2, AND 3

Drawings and analysis provided by Shoalts and Zaback Architects Ltd.

Option One: Expand Library to the South

Description (See Site Plan on page 2)

• A three-story extension south of the present building, shifted to the west.
• Compensation for the loss of natural light into the present basement programming room by removing the corridor at the West end of the basement and adding windows to the curved external wall.
• Public entrance is from the North or South into a non-security area between the Library proper to the west and washrooms and a meeting room to the east.
• Staff entrance on west side at basement level (at grade)

· An in/out road entrance from Highway 48 is possible (subject to review by Town Traffic Engineer).

· Traffic access to Library parking lot is realigned to connect with Arena parking, thus removing traffic from Rougecrest Drive and Reeve Drive.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Functional interior Library layout.

· Provides all needed Library space.

• Fits the project funding model.

• Modest improvement to building access and profile from the Village Green and the 7/48 intersection.
• No encroachment on the Park east or south of the existing parking.
• Separate lower level (at grade) entrance to Library Administration / Technical Services departments.
• East drive cut off from Rougecrest Drive and Reeve Drive.

Cons

• Does not expand the profile of the Library north.
• Staff parking east of arena is remote particularly with staff entrance on the west of the expansion.
• Some loss of light in existing program room.
• Is not the preferred Heritage/ Main Street Markham/ Neighbourhood option.
• Meets the Library needs but makes little contribution to the adjacent urban fabric.

Option Two: Library Addition to the West

Option 2 is not supported by the public or the Executive Steering Committee. However, it is included here to fully reflect the design process thus far.

Description (See Site Plan on page 4)

· Three-story extension to the west of the present building, creating L-shaped floors.

· Public entrances are from the west and the south (connected by an “L” shaped corridor).

· Staff entrance is at the northeast corner of the existing building

· Markham Library Administration will use the basement of the existing building.

· All additions to parking will take place to the west of the present Library parking area

· An in/out road entrance from Highway 48 is possible (subject to review by Town Traffic Engineer).

· Traffic access to Library parking lot is realigned to connect with Arena parking, thus removing traffic from Rougecrest Drive and Reeve Drive.

Pros and Cons

Pros

· Provides all needed Library space.

· Natural light retained in existing basement.

· Fits the project funding model.

· Retains original north/clock façade.

· No impact to southeast.

· Expansion to the north or west is preferred by Heritage Markham, Main Street Markham and the neighbourhood.

· Raises profile of Library to the Village Green and 48/7 intersection.

· Creates courtyard which could frame the cenotaph.

Cons

· Costs somewhat more than Option One.

· Provides a less functional Library than does Option One because Administration & Technical Services is on a separate level from the Entry/Receiving Area, and because an L-shaped layout creates less efficient workflows and traffic patterns.

· Requires relocation of existing lower level program rooms at an additional cost.

· Alters the west end of the existing Library.

· Encroaches on pedestrian walkway along Hwy. 48 (from Rouge Valley Park).

Option Three: Library Addition to the North, Link to Arena

Description (See Site Plan on page 6)

· A two-story extension to the north of the present building, attached to the eastern end of the present Library.

· This extension is connected via a covered north-south internal street to the west wall of the Arena/Community Centre.

· Public entrance is from the North or South into a non-security area between the Library proper to the west and washrooms and a meeting room to the east.

· Staff entrance on west side at lower level.

· Markham Library Administration will use the basement of the existing building.

· All additions to parking will take place to the west of the present Library parking area.

· An in/out road entrance from Highway 48 is possible (subject to review by Town Traffic Engineer).

· Traffic access to Library parking lot is realigned to connect with Arena parking, thus removing traffic from Rougecrest Drive and Reeve Drive.

• Could be developed in two stages:

o Phase 1: The Library extension is constructed first at a modest premium over Option 1 and possible additional tax dollars.

o Phase 2: The connection to the Arena/Community Centre could be built later, as funds are available.

Pros and Cons

Pros

· Provides all needed Library space.

• Moves public service functions from the lower level of the existing building.

· Positioned well in terms of Hwy. #48 and Hwy. 7.

· Does not impact west facade of existing, preserves clock on north façade.

· Expansion to the north or west is preferred by Heritage Markham, Main Street Markham, and the neighbourhood.

· Creates a far better use of the overall site.

· Has considerable potential for future development regardless of long term Arena use.

· Creates synergies with adjacent site uses and Town facilities.

· Facilitates better uses of Village Green.

· Potential for better setting for Cenotaph and Remembrance Day ceremonies.

· Better access from Hwy. 7 for pedestrians.

Cons

· Costs considerably more than Option 1.

· Is a different and much larger project than originally envisioned.

· Significant alteration to building’s north face.

· L-shaped Library layout creates less efficient workflows and traffic patterns than Option 1.

· Creates additional operating costs for the Community Centre.