In summer, the sounds rise from the newly renovated Les Paul Performance Center adjacent to the Waukesha Public Library. If plans hold, the library could have a related outdoor attraction of its own, overlooking the stage.
How does a rooftop patio sound atop of the library?
Waukesha Public Library Director Grant Lynch is hoping the city adopts the library's $1.5 million five-year Community Investment Program budget that, among other things, encompasses major library capital projects, including a $100,000 request for a rooftop facility in 2017.
"This project exists to add further functionality and uniqueness to the newly renovated Les Paul Bandshell," Lynch wrote in describing the project in the proposed CIP budget. "In an effort to propose even more benefit to our citizens, the project of a rooftop garden/patio/green roof on the library came into discussion."
The project, which came from an idea in a meeting with Mayor Shawn Reilly and the library board, is a way to further enhance the library and connect it with the Les Paul Performance Center, which was remodeled last year for approximately $270,000, Lynch explained.
"The new renovation put the space in a phenomenal position to tie the entire campus of the Waukesha Public Library, Cutler Park and the bandshell together for the cultural and artistic benefit of our community," Lynch wrote.
Perfect green space
In the memo, Lynch said the library has an unused roof space on the northwest corner of the building and it is situated in such a way that it would provide a "breathtaking view of the concert stage" for up to 150 people at a time.
In a follow-up interview, Lynch acknowledged that further studies would have to be done on the space, but added that rooftop gardens provide an ecological benefit that can be boasted as "a progressive way forward for the city."
He noted rooftop gardens and green roofs have made their way onto municipal buildings, including the Madison Public Library, the Milwaukee Public Museum and the Milwaukee Public Library.
"Through several conversations with (the city administrator) and aldermen, it seems very obvious the community would embrace further development of this space for the benefit of all," Lynch said.
The project, which wouldn't be implemented until 2017 and still has to be approved, would be financed over 10 years. The project would include ongoing maintenance of the area, along with staff costs for events that happen in the space.
Obvious tax ceiling
Lynch said he realizes the rooftop garden is just an idea right now and says he will put his focus on another project if there isn't community support or the necessary funds for the project.
"Our job is to come up with ideas and enhance what is really a phenomenal library and the city's job is to balance all of the projects from all of the departments that go to enhance the city, while also keeping taxes low," Lynch said. "So if the city says 'no' on this, that's OK. We'll then put our focus onto another project."
One particular project would be repairing its roof. The library is looking for $10,000 next year to make necessary repairs.
According to a report from the library, the rubber surface that protects the facility's interior has started to fail. It has dried out and has even curled up in several places, including over the Children's Department.
The report noted the roof will not be functional in a year if it isn't fixed in 2016.
"A roof leak would be an extraordinary costly occurrence, as water damage would spread far and wide throughout the facility," the report said. "A small investment today will protect (our) assets and avoid exponentially higher costs in the future."
Other projects
More potential projects for the library that are part of the proposed budget include renovating the interior of the library in 2020 for approximately $1 million, which would also be financed over 10 years.
Lynch noted in his proposal that after the children's department was renovated in 2010, children's attendance in programs increased substantially in recent years.
"We would like to provide this same experience to all library patrons by renovating the entire downstairs of the facility," Lynch said.
He said a study, completed in early 2013, identifies four specific areas to bring the library up to modern design. Among the perceived expenses are a new sound center, wayfinding improvements, a community room expansion and new furniture.
One of the areas the study highlighted was upgrading the Carnegie Room — the original library building. (It's located in the northeast corner of the library.) While the space still has the same shape and features the same high ceilings, the interior has been thoroughly modernized over the years.
Now, the library is looking for $291,000 to renovate this historic area of the library in 2017.
Lynch said repurposing the Carnegie Room adds more room for the library's expansive collection of books, periodicals and artifacts and could accommodate library programs and events, doubling current capacity for audiences.
The library is also seeking $50,000 in 2017 for an electronic bulletin board system that would be placed across from the Circulation Desk at the front of the building.
"We think all of these projects are valuable," Lynch said. "We know some will happen and some won't. We're just looking at the best way to enhance our facility."