View Full Version : Belle Isle Library



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Brett
12-31-2021, 03:48 PM
Is there a book repository there?

The lower right rectangle on the west side, teal section of the building looks suspiciously like the book deposit. Just a guess, I could be wrong.

Brett
01-22-2022, 10:04 AM
The name "Belle Isle Library" has been placed on the east side entrance.

JDSooners
01-22-2022, 04:18 PM
They had said it should be finished by the end of the year, but as you can tell by the interior photos, they are really going to have to hustle.

If the building is enclosed to elements, the sheet rock, ceilings, flooring and paint happen pretty quick, I wouldn't say hustle is required, think the time line is about right, and a change order for interior glass should allow them to finish to the construction schedule

Pete
01-22-2022, 04:23 PM
If the building is enclosed to elements, the sheet rock, ceilings, flooring and paint happen pretty quick, I wouldn't say hustle is required, think the time line is about right, and a change order for interior glass should allow them to finish to the construction schedule

?

The end of the year has come and gone and they still aren't finished.

fortpatches
01-23-2022, 02:15 PM
The tweet above where the interior glass is mentioned included an additional 50 days.

Bill Robertson
01-23-2022, 02:25 PM
The tweet above where the interior glass is mentioned included an additional 50 days.
Not surprising. We need 2 windows replaced at work. Normally a couple weeks to get them made. My glass contractor told me to expect March if we're lucky.

Pete
01-24-2022, 07:26 AM
They are nearing completion; the whole place is a knockout:

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Pete
01-24-2022, 07:32 AM
More:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/belleisle012322u.jpg


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HangryHippo
01-24-2022, 07:36 AM
Gorgeous!!

barrettd
01-24-2022, 07:46 AM
I love it! I also love that we're putting so much money into our libraries. That one out on 122nd is beautiful, as well.

MagzOK
01-24-2022, 08:06 AM
That looks really, really nice!

David
01-24-2022, 09:16 AM
Oh wow is that fantastic, those night pictures especially so.

Pete
01-24-2022, 10:09 AM
I don't see any signs of improving that NW Ex/Villa intersection for pedestrians.

Hopefully, that is coming soon because it's nearly impossible for people to cross there if they aren't in a car.

MagzOK
01-24-2022, 10:21 AM
I don't see any signs of improving that NW Ex/Villa intersection for pedestrians.

Hopefully, that is coming soon because it's nearly impossible for people to cross there if they aren't in a car.

Yes having lived down there for some time in the past, yes it's very difficult. For one, the light only lasts seconds and I've witnessed folks sprinting to the median then having to just stand there until the next light cycle then they have to sprint the rest of the way.

I haven't driven NW Expressway past Portland in a very long time. Do they have crosswalks at the major intersections headed NW past there?

fortpatches
01-24-2022, 11:10 AM
I love that they used the proper glass (it appears so in the pictures at least).

I was talking with a librarian in another city where they did a similar remodel with huge windows but did not provide the appropriate glass - almost all the books in the sun light were faded and had to be replaced within a year. Instead of fixing the glass problem, the just put blinds over all the windows.... :Smiley099

HFAA Alum
01-24-2022, 12:15 PM
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/belleisle012322x.jpg

You know, if this area ever had some more verticality (though I doubt it because of the hospital nearby), and some updated lighting, this place would have a really nice skyline.

Pete
01-24-2022, 12:33 PM
I just spoke with a rep from the metro library system and was told the grand re-opening of Belle Isle Library will be March 25th.

barrettd
01-24-2022, 02:01 PM
You know, if this area ever had some more verticality (though I doubt it because of the hospital nearby), and some updated lighting, this place would have a really nice skyline.

In the meantime, this should be a beautiful beacon after dark. Hopefully they will have the capability to do some fun stuff with the lighting, too.

Bill Robertson
01-24-2022, 02:05 PM
Oh wow is that fantastic, those night pictures especially so.I'm having to take my wife to work this week so I was by there before light this morning. It really does look nice with all the glass and the lights on.

Dob Hooligan
01-26-2022, 09:55 AM
Looks like Pete is back in the big time. I saw his nighttime photos on Channel 9 news at 4:15 this morning. With attribution.

Laramie
01-26-2022, 11:42 AM
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/belleisle012322j.jpg

Really nice looking.

IIRC this renovation cost $5 million+ funded thru Better Streets, Safer City 2017 bond passage.

Like the glass facade facing the expressway.

Pete
02-16-2022, 09:15 AM
The reopening has been pushed back to April 8th.

Pete
03-22-2022, 08:31 PM
Press release:

****************

Belle Isle Library reopens with a three-day celebration, April 8-11
03/22/2022

The community is invited to celebrate the reopening of the newly renovated Belle Isle Library, 5501 N Villa Ave., during its inaugural weekend, April 8-11.

The celebration begins Friday, April 8, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:30 p.m. The three-day party continues throughout the weekend with concerts, programs and tours of the library’s new Maker Space, where people of all ages can experience new technologies.

Guests can take pictures at the photobooth, solve a scavenger hunt and listen to performers Casey and Mina, musician Lucas Ross and cellist Sam Kahre. Other programs include arts and crafts and outdoor games.

“Belle Isle Library is an institution in our city, but even iconic buildings that have produced countless memories need a refresh to stay relevant,” said Mayor David Holt. “This comprehensive renovation reinvigorates the library and ensures it will serve a new generation of residents. My thanks to the people of Oklahoma City for continuing to make these investments in our City.”

The library will offer a wide variety of programming for everyone from toddlers to seniors. Activities include book clubs, STEAM opportunities, community presentations and take-home kits. The MLS Studios offers a Maker Space that gives guests opportunities to use a 3D printer, a Cricut, sewing and embroidery machines.

The renovated two-story building features an open floor plan, two large meeting rooms, five study rooms, a teen area, a children’s area, and a programming room. The original building was expanded by 12,000 square feet in the renovation, bringing the total square footage to 32,000. New computers and furniture round out the improvements. The collection includes more than 68,000 books, magazines, DVDs and other forms of media.

“The Metropolitan Library System is grateful to the Library Endowment Trust's planned gift from the estate of Gordon and LaVerne Taylor for the specific purpose of supporting the Belle Isle Library building project,” said Metropolitan Library System executive director Larry White. “Their generous gift empowered the Library Endowment Trust to provide $950,000 to expand the scope of the Belle Isle library project to expand and update library spaces, including brand new meeting rooms which will bear the name of the Taylors. Their generous planned gift will enhance our ability to serve the community's needs within the Belle Isle community for many years to come. MLS thanks the Gordon and LaVerne Taylor estate and the Library Endowment Trust for their support.”

The 59-year-old library’s signature Mid-Century Modern look, circular design, stone, and glass was thoughtfully incorporated into the building’s expansion and renovation by architectural firm ADG.

The library was originally designed by architect Jack Mills with Turnbull & Mills in the early 1960s. The project contractor is Wynn Construction, the same contractor that built the library in 1963.

The $7.8 million renovation and expansion was paid for through Better Streets, Safer City Bond Issue that was passed by voters in 2017 and a generous $950,000 donation from Gordon and LaVerne Taylor.

Brett
04-06-2022, 10:30 AM
Will there be overflow parking at the building next door to the library for the party?

bombermwc
04-07-2022, 07:46 AM
I'm glad that they renovated the place, but personally, I'm not a fan of the mish-mash style of the design. It reminds me a lot of the 50's-60's style with the color tiles, but then next to a late 90's "nature" theme with the stone. It's definitely a much needed project though. MLS has managed to get quite a few good projects in over the last 10 years or so.

TheTravellers
04-07-2022, 08:59 AM
I'm glad that they renovated the place, but personally, I'm not a fan of the mish-mash style of the design. It reminds me a lot of the 50's-60's style with the color tiles, but then next to a late 90's "nature" theme with the stone. It's definitely a much needed project though. MLS has managed to get quite a few good projects in over the last 10 years or so.

The building was stone originally when it was built in 1963, and *tons* of buildings/houses built around then in OKC are stone.

shawnw
04-07-2022, 10:09 AM
Personally I like the uniqueness of many of our libraries vs them being pretty ordinary buildings in many other cities.

Pete
04-07-2022, 10:42 AM
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David
04-07-2022, 10:59 AM
What a home run! Count me deeply curious to see how many impressions that the social media shares get.

Oski
04-07-2022, 11:07 AM
NICE! Wish they could do the same to the Gold Dome and turn it into a public library.

Laramie
04-07-2022, 11:31 AM
NICE! Wish they could do the same to the Gold Dome and turn it into a public library.

Good idea, Oski--put a Public Library Central Computers (computers only) in the Gold Dome and a Senior Wellness Center in the former First Christian (Egg Shell shaped) Church--you shave two historic OKC structures. Don't know what the renovation costs would be however, there's some MAPS funds available.

Anonymous.
04-07-2022, 11:34 AM
It looks amazing! The aerial photo is hilarious in regards to the sidewalks to nowhere.

tvkokc
04-07-2022, 11:49 AM
It looks amazing! The aerial photo is hilarious in regards to the sidewalks to nowhere.

I won't get into exactly how I know all this, but when the new site design was planned for BIL the city specifically asked for that sidewalk there in the plans. There was discussion of further sidewalk expansion from the termination point at the west end. This happens all over and always looks goofy until they continue on with it with a bond project. Gotta start somewhere!

The library looks so amazing, I'm really excited how it's turned out with the expansion and this will be a great addition to the community.

Pete
04-07-2022, 11:53 AM
My understanding is the city is planning to actually create crosswalks across NW Expressway and I hope sidewalks will also be added along NW Expressway.

The northbound BRT stop will be just to the east near Penn Square and southbound will be in front of the Oak apartments.

tvkokc
04-07-2022, 11:59 AM
My understanding is the city is planning to actually create crosswalks across NW Expressway and I hope sidewalks will also be added along NW Expressway.

The northbound BRT stop will be just to the east near Penn Square and southbound will be in front of the Oak apartments.

Correct, that was what the rumor was at one point for more sidewalks in this area in the future.

David
04-07-2022, 11:59 AM
Sidewalks north and south along Villa going into the local neighborhoods would be nice too.

baralheia
04-07-2022, 12:16 PM
My understanding is the city is planning to actually create crosswalks across NW Expressway and I hope sidewalks will also be added along NW Expressway.

The northbound BRT stop will be just to the east near Penn Square and southbound will be in front of the Oak apartments.

Seems like this area would be a good candidate for a pedestrian bridge too, if funding were ever to become available for one.

shawnw
04-07-2022, 12:31 PM
IMO each of those areas (e.g. neighborhood associations) need to go to the maps4 committee about those sidewalks. Input from the neighborhood would likely ensure that these sidewalks got done. That's based on feedback I got from a MAPS3 sidewalk committee member.

Pete
04-07-2022, 12:32 PM
Seems like this area would be a good candidate for a pedestrian bridge too, if funding were ever to become available for one.

I'm sure that will never happen, but if it was to go anywhere it would be placed near the 2 BRT stops near Penn/Penn Square/Oak.

midtownokcer
04-07-2022, 02:15 PM
We are so lucky to have the Metropolitan Library System. Just in the past 10 years they've opened, built, or renovated the following:


Northwest
Almonte
Southern Oaks
Bethany
Jones
Capitol Hill
Del City
Edmond
Belle Isle

dcsooner
04-07-2022, 03:17 PM
Well done!

barrettd
04-07-2022, 08:13 PM
Those photos are terrific, Pete, and the remodel is spectacular, in my opinion. What an outstanding accomplishment.

soonerguru
04-07-2022, 09:27 PM
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This is effing killer. What a great renovation and what an inviting space.

soonerguru
04-07-2022, 09:31 PM
My understanding is the city is planning to actually create crosswalks across NW Expressway and I hope sidewalks will also be added along NW Expressway.

The northbound BRT stop will be just to the east near Penn Square and southbound will be in front of the Oak apartments.


Correct. I spoke to Councilman James Cooper this week and he said this is going to be a legit, wide crosswalk with signals, something he personally worked on. Very excited to see it and it is a game changer for the neighborhood south of the Expressway, IMO. He also said there will be additional sidewalks along the expressway linking the planned BRT stops which, amazingly, did not have sidewalks as part of the original plan. This is something else that James worked on behind the scenes to make happen.

I think he has proven that building bridges and developing relationships with people throughout the city and the bureaucracy (and even the people with whom he may often disagree on many issues) is an extremely effective way to get results, as opposed to drawing lines in the sand, making dramatic call outs, and even verbally attacking folks in public. Instead, he has built and nurtured relationships with people of all stripes behind the scenes. Proud of the work he is doing. It's also exciting to see the transformation that we saw happen downtown moving to other areas around the city.

TheTravellers
04-08-2022, 12:20 AM
Correct. I spoke to Councilman James Cooper this week and he said this is going to be a legit, wide crosswalk with signals, something he personally worked on. Very excited to see it and it is a game changer for the neighborhood south of the Expressway, IMO. He also said there will be additional sidewalks along the expressway linking the planned BRT stops which, amazingly, did not have sidewalks as part of the original plan. This is something else that James worked on behind the scenes to make happen.

I think he has proven that building bridges and developing relationships with people throughout the city and the bureaucracy (and even the people with whom he may often disagree on many issues) is an extremely effective way to get results, as opposed to drawing lines in the sand, making dramatic call outs, and even verbally attacking folks in public. Instead, he has built and nurtured relationships with people of all stripes behind the scenes. Proud of the work he is doing. It's also exciting to see the transformation that we saw happen downtown moving to other areas around the city.

This is fantastic to hear, and so glad he's my councilman, but it's absolutely ridiculous it should have to happen this way, so tired of backroom deals and hush-hush meetings and secret BS. This should've been front and center and done, it's absolutely ridiculous this had to happen "behind the scenes" in a city this large. This kind of thing should be part of the normal procedures and building things out in a normal city.

Urbanized
04-08-2022, 08:27 AM
I’m sorry, there is NOTHING nefarious, “hush-hush” or “backroom” about what soonerguru describes. It’s ABSOLUTELY the job of a council member to meet with people like department heads and stakeholders in their wards to share ideas, gain consensus, encourage changes, reset priorities, solve problems.

This suggestion that every single conversation regarding the running of the City must happen around the horseshoe belies a fundamental misunderstanding of civic governance. Private meetings happen all day, every day, and they MUST happen, or the city - any city - would grind to a halt. They aren’t “back room meetings.” They’re just…meetings.

There are thousand of City employees, elected officials, contractors, partners and stakeholders. They have meetings every day to conduct the business of the City. I’ve personally been in four meetings this week involving City officials, and in every one the topic of those meetings invariably involved how best to serve the community, what implementations would most easily accomplish overarching goals set by councils, commissions and boards (who all DO have meetings subject to open meetings and/or parliamentary procedure). This is the business of governance.

When guru describes James Cooper as having become adept at successfully navigating City departments, gaining credibility with - and the ears of - decision makers and implementers, and using the power of persuasion to accomplish goals that he believes are important for his ward, nothing he describes is shady. He’s only describing a conscientious elected official who has become good at doing his job and at serving his constituents.

David
04-08-2022, 08:43 AM
Correct. I spoke to Councilman James Cooper this week and he said this is going to be a legit, wide crosswalk with signals, something he personally worked on. Very excited to see it and it is a game changer for the neighborhood south of the Expressway, IMO. He also said there will be additional sidewalks along the expressway linking the planned BRT stops which, amazingly, did not have sidewalks as part of the original plan. This is something else that James worked on behind the scenes to make happen.

I think he has proven that building bridges and developing relationships with people throughout the city and the bureaucracy (and even the people with whom he may often disagree on many issues) is an extremely effective way to get results, as opposed to drawing lines in the sand, making dramatic call outs, and even verbally attacking folks in public. Instead, he has built and nurtured relationships with people of all stripes behind the scenes. Proud of the work he is doing. It's also exciting to see the transformation that we saw happen downtown moving to other areas around the city.

Makes me proud to have him as my councilmember.

Urbanized
04-08-2022, 09:02 AM
I’d also add to my above diatribe that you can be assured that the above-mentioned BRT stops with no sidewalk connectivity were at some point unveiled in a public meeting, and likely with no public or other comment. This almost certainly occurred because of budgetary issues or because the department planning and implementing BRT is siloed from the department in charge of sidewalks.

It’s also possible that the omission was noted as “future sidewalk connectivity” with the idea being that it would be the other department’s job to solve. And it’s even possible that there WAS official or public acknowledgment of the lack of sidewalks, and THAT’S what prompted Councilman Cooper to convene additional discussions on the topic.

This isn’t shady; it’s simply bureaucracy. And budget constraint.

City departments tend to check boxes, and if someone leaves off one of the boxes, it usually doesn’t get checked.

A council member recognizing the omission and convening departments and other decision makers to find a solution is doing EXACTLY what they were elected to do.

TheTravellers
04-08-2022, 09:11 AM
I’d also add to my above diatribe that you can be assured that the above-mentioned BRT stops with no sidewalk connectivity were at some point unveiled in a public meeting, and likely with no public or other comment. This almost certainly occurred because of budgetary issues or because the department planning and implementing BRT is siloed from the department in charge of sidewalks. This isn’t shady; it’s simply bureaucracy. And budget constraint.

City departments tend to check boxes, and if someone leaves off one of the boxes, it usually doesn’t get checked.

A council member recognizing the omission and convening departments and other decision makers to find a solution is doing EXACTLY what they were elected to do.

I agree somewhat with your previous post and I misread the "behind the scenes" part to interpret it as something else.

But the ridiculousness of BRT (which is a ridiculous half-assed implementation itself) stops not having sidewalks is just baffling. The people that think up transit and bus stops and routes, etc. should know better, that's what they're paid to do, they're supposed to know what they're doing and to forget/leave out/whatever sidewalks around bus stops is just beyond stupid. It'd be like me (a UNIX sys admin) "forgetting" to create userids on a server or install an application on a server, it's just something that should be done, period. Do these people never run things by other people to "check their work"? And yes, kudos to Cooper for getting it done, but he should never have had to do that. I'm just tired of OKC and OK not doing things right and having to go back and fix things (best case scenario) or just blow it off.

David
04-08-2022, 09:15 AM
That's a rather unfair assessment considering this is all just planning stages and no concrete has been poured for it, either the stops or the sidewalks. I would argue that it doesn't count as "not doing things right" if we're still pre-construction and the only question is plans getting adjusted (for the better!) ahead of the actual work.

Pete
04-08-2022, 09:22 AM
James also told me that he and Jo Beth Hamon are working on a bike corridor that would run along Villa from NW 63rd to NW 10th.

So, it would go through this NW Expressway intersection and will need to veer east to Youngs to get under I-44, then back to Villa.


Just last week, I had my car serviced at NW 10th and May and decided to walk home and then walk back to pick it up. It was really fun to walk mainly along this route and through Venice, Crestwood and the Miller neighborhoods. I was also happy to find that there was a sidewalk all along May.

We've got a long way to go but there has been progress with more coming. Walking and biking in this city are getting easier all the time.

And the more people walk and bike, the more people care about this infrastructure. And from my own experience, I can tell you that walking a bunch through the city really allows you to experience in a completely different way and makes you feel more connected to your community. I've met a bunch of people this way and have called in a bunch of things that needed reporting to the city's action line.

bombermwc
04-08-2022, 01:26 PM
The building was stone originally when it was built in 1963, and *tons* of buildings/houses built around then in OKC are stone.

I was referring to the new additions, not the old. It's like it doesn't know what decade it wants to be in. To me it says, i have multiple personality disorder.

You definitely can't call it the Millennium Falcon Library any longer though!

TheTravellers
04-08-2022, 01:41 PM
I was referring to the new additions, not the old. It's like it doesn't know what decade it wants to be in. To me it says, i have multiple personality disorder.

You definitely can't call it the Millennium Falcon Library any longer though!

The new paint colors, graphic designs, windows (both large and small), and overhangs are definitely mid-century-modern-inspired (which is usually thought of as 1950s, but can spill over into the 1960s), and the new stone just ties in to the original stone, so I personally consider it to be a whole of mid-century-modern design, updated a bit.

Pete
04-08-2022, 01:49 PM
They reused the original stone from parts of the old facade in the new sections.

soonerguru
04-08-2022, 02:51 PM
Urbanized, thank you for your completely accurate analysis.

Urbanized
04-08-2022, 03:34 PM
That's a rather unfair assessment considering this is all just planning stages and no concrete has been poured for it, either the stops or the sidewalks. I would argue that it doesn't count as "not doing things right" if we're still pre-construction and the only question is plans getting adjusted (for the better!) ahead of the actual work.

Yes, this is also a good take.


Urbanized, thank you for your completely accurate analysis.
Thanks, I try! Like you, I have worked with City staff and elected officials in some capacity for many years here in OKC, and *almost* without exception I have found them to be well-intentioned people who were dedicated to public service. Every workplace has the occasional burnout or "phone-it-in" type, but it's remarkable how many people in this city really ARE trying to make it a better place, even if you and I don't always agree with them upon what constitutes "better;" i.e. fast and efficient car travel vs safe sidewalks, bike lanes and healthy transit.

I'd say that my only real frustrations with officials have been related to silo effects and nearsighted box-checking, and you find that in any industry. Some people are worker bees, and some people are big-picture course-setters. Our job as citizens is to elect, support and assist the best big picture folks we can find, whose job it then becomes to effectively identify and hire OTHER big picture folks and trained specialists, who in turn help guide the worker bees.

HOT ROD
04-08-2022, 07:20 PM
I agree that developers in OKC tend to treat sidewalks as an afterthought that somebody needs to remind them of, if they're even, ever considered at all.

I agree with the OP that all development in OKC should have basic elements, connectivity. Sidewalks provide connectivity, irregardless if there will ever be somebody using them, they should be built as part of most development or road construction. Yet in OKC, sidewalks are generally an afterthought (if at all) where somebody like Councilman James has to go above and beyond to ensure they're implemented. This is ridiculous and should not happen in a city as large as OKC.

Shouldn't have to be a backroom deal NOR a horseshoe disclosure, sidewalk connectivity (including lighting and landscaping btw) should be part of OKC planning. Period.

Mike Drop.

Boop
04-09-2022, 07:22 PM
The library looks great!! When is it supposed to be open? The library in Moore could use an upgrade since it is old and outdated! I will have to stop by and check out the library!

Pete
04-09-2022, 07:36 PM
The library looks great!! When is it supposed to be open? The library in Moore could use an upgrade since it is old and outdated! I will have to stop by and check out the library!

It opened on Friday.

Hours:
Saturday 9AM–5PM
Sunday 1–6PM
Monday 9AM–9PM
Tuesday 9AM–9PM
Wednesday 9AM–9PM
Thursday 9AM–9PM
Friday 9AM–6PM

ABryant
04-10-2022, 02:28 AM
[QUOTE=Boop;1200353]The library looks great!! When is it supposed to be open? The library in Moore could use an upgrade since it is old and outdated! I will have to stop by and check out the library![/QUOTE

The way to make a better Moore library is to get your city leadership involved. Oklahoma City paid for this.