New $25.9M library proposed in Denver suburb

By Kate Tracy – Reporter , Denver Business Journal | Mar 29, 2024

Arvada bookworms rejoice: Jefferson County Public Library is planning a new library in the Denver suburb, one of five construction projects in the hopper across the county. 

Located on land off of Candelas Parkway between West 92nd Drive and Wilkerson Court, the proposed single-story library would be 30,000 square feet, with a 15,000-square-foot addition possible in the future, following the library’s construction. 

Donna Walker, executive director at Jefferson County Public Library, said the library has been working on the project for the past two years to satisfy the northwest portion of the county that’s seeing major growth. 

“It's just growing incredibly fast, much faster than the rest of Jefferson County,” Walker said. 

The project’s total budget is $25.9 million. Walker said there might be fundraising that happens for library enhancements, but said the project is fully funded through Jefferson County taxes. 

The last time Jefferson County opened a new library was more than five years ago, when it opened the new Edgewater Library in conjunction with the city of Edgewater.

The proposed site makes for an ideal location for its proximity to current and planned residential development and ability to create a “community focal point,” according to Walker. 

“It really has great proximity to residential areas and trail systems. It’s within the established traffic routes, with access to major thoroughfares and close enough to transit,” Walker said. 

Jefferson County Public Library is seeking a rezoning of the current property from a planned unit development in order to move forward with the library project. The library has signed a purchase and sale agreement for $3.65 million to buy the land. The site is 9.4 acres, with 5.5 acres slated to be developed for the library. 

Plans show 184 parking spots and potential tiered seating outside, as well as a potential demonstration garden and outdoor adventure area. Other amenities could include public art, a trail system, outdoor reading nooks and a covered event space. Walker said the library plans to engage with residents to hear what they would like to have at the library before making any firm decisions on the details.  

The current construction schedule is to break ground next year and finish the project in 2026, pending rezoning approvals. 

Read the full article here