HALIFAX, NS – Following a thorough procurement process, Halifax Public Libraries has selected the Design-Build Team for the $34.5 million Halifax North Memorial Public Library renovation project, opens a new window in Halifax’s historic North End community. The selected Design-Build team includes the Marco Group, Lydon Lynch Architects and Teeple Architects.
“This is a significant milestone in this project,” said Åsa Kachan, Chief Librarian and CEO, Halifax Public Libraries. “The selected team demonstrates a deep understanding of Halifax North Memorial Public Library’s history and a design philosophy rooted in co-creation with the community. Their proposal featured innovative approaches to address the complexities of renovating a mid-century building, a commitment to accessibility and climate resiliency and strong technical experience renovating public libraries.”
“This is more than an opportunity to renew a civic asset,” said Mark Thompson, Design Build, Director, Marco Group Limited. “It’s an opportunity to honour history, elevate community perspectives and build a more equitable and connected future for Halifax’s North End community. This Design-Build Team has deep technical experience in public infrastructure, including some iconic Canadian public library renewals, and we intend to bring our knowledge of current library best practices forward to co-create a space, together.”
Halifax North Memorial Public Library opened to the community in 1966. During its history, North Branch, as it’s commonly referred to, has been the home for many social justice movements, including the first meeting of the Black History Association in 1987, the first Black History Month Youth Quiz in 1991, and the challenging community conversations regarding the unfair street check policing practices in 2019.
The Halifax North Memorial Public Library Renovation is a transformative civic project with an ambitious scope including deep energy upgrades, cultural preservation, improving accessibility standards and climate resiliency, and updating modern library infrastructure. The Library renewal project will reflect the voices and values of its neighbours. Public engagement and community conversations have already started, you can visit HalifaxPublicLibraries.ca/YourNorthBranch , opens a new windowto share your ideas and learn more.
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