Construction is nearing completion on Foley’s new library-community center, along with roadway improvements designed to enhance access to the facility.
The Foley City Council has approved funding to relocate books, equipment and other materials from the current library on East Laurel Avenue to the new building once construction is complete later this year.
Library Director Kate Norris said the cost of the move is expected to be lower than originally projected.
“It did come in under bid,” Norris said. “This is part of our planned project funding, but with the bid that came in, we don’t need to appropriate as much as we thought.”
The new library is expected to open in early summer. During the transition, some library services may be temporarily disrupted as materials and offices are moved to the new location on East Orange Avenue.
At the same time, improvements to South Chicago Street—from U.S. 98 to the new library—are on schedule for completion ahead of the facility’s opening.
Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the roadway upgrades will complement the new library and enhance the surrounding area.
“Our new project on South Chicago Street is almost complete,” Hellmich said. “It is the entrance to our library. It’s going to be a beautiful street with landscaping. It’s part of our Streetscape Program downtown. Since 2008, we’ve continued upgrading these streets to modernize them, add parking, curbing, drainage and lighting, and make them more pedestrian-friendly. We’re going to keep working on those types of improvements.”
The South Chicago Street project includes new sidewalks, green spaces and additional street trees. The streetscape design is also intended to help calm traffic in the downtown area.
As part of the project, the city will install brick pavers and columns similar to those at Heritage Park. Foley is also partnering with Riviera Utilities to add decorative lighting along the corridor.