Vintage

Seward Community Library Museum

Frequently Asked Questions

How big will the SCLM be?The new design concept is 16,300 square feet, roughly half of the original concept.  Since October the Steering Committee has been working with Foraker Predevelopment Fund to resize and create a library museum better suited to our community. 

How much will it cost to build the SCLM?$10m, calculated at 2009 total project costs of roughly $600 per square foot, including design, construction and furnishings.  

Where will the SCLM be built?In 2006 the City of Seward purchased 6 lots across the alley from the current library as the selected site for the building.  (The old Salvation Army or Lechner property.)   

Where will the funding come from?The Steering Committee and the City of Seward are considering these options: 

What will happen to the current library and museum spaces?The current library will be used by the City of Seward for office space.  They currently rent office space downtown.  The museum space is being considered for use by either the TYC or the Senior Center. 

Will the windows create energy loss?Building materials will be good quality and low maintenance.  Windows will be triple glazed with very good energy performance.  In general the building will be seeking LEED Silver, a high standard of overall energy efficiency.  

Will the roof hold the snow load?The roof will be designed to hold a heavy snow load by new codes whether it sheds or not.  Retaining the snow saves energy, requires less snow removal expense, and is safer. 

Won’t this facility compete with the Mary Lowell Center?The community space in the library museum will be offered free for public use, private uses will be charged.  The meeting spaces can be utilized as breakout or overflow space for conferences hosted at the MLC.  We feel this building will compliment the mission of the MLC.