Development
BY CLAIRE SHOOP & ZACHARIA WASHINGTON
Crews work on Cedar Park Public Library Cedar Park’s new public library at the Bell District is under construction and expected to open to the public this fall, officials said. Library Director Julia Mitschke said the new building—located at 425 Parkwest Drive, Cedar Park—will span 47,000 square feet, which is nearly twice as large as the current library at 25,500 square feet. Intended to be a civic gathering space, the new facility will feature a courtyard surrounded by dozens of large heritage trees with a fenced-in children’s area, gathering spaces, group study rooms, an event space, an interior youth area, a teen area, two porches and a playground. During a tour of the construction site, Mitschke provided Community Impact more information on the progress of the facility.
1 The library is the first in a series of developments coming to the Bell District, which will eventually in- clude a backyard space, restaurants, retail, multifamily housing and parking garages. The front corner of the building will feature large letters spelling out library, and a book drop where customers can watch through the window as a new piece of machinery checks in and sorts their materials. 2 The main lobby, which allows in natural light through large windows, will feature a check-in desk, cushioned seating, stairs and elevators, and entrances to the youth area and courtyard. 3 Library Director Julia Mitschke points out features of the new building, which she said is designed to feel warm and serve as Cedar Park’s front porch. The building will have two outdoor screened-in porches with seating. 4 The enclosed children’s courtyard will feature three parts: a free space to run around, a tree-covered area for quiet reading and a playground with two small, climbable mockingbird structures. 5 The space that will serve as the youth area is twice as large as the space dedicated to children in the current library. It will include padded reading nooks; a two-sto- ry tree house with stairs, a slide and play kitchen; and a ceiling design intended to absorb sound.
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HYMEADOW 12611 Hymeadow (512) 506-8401
NORTH 620 10601 N FM 620 (512) 506-8316
CEDAR PARK 13530 Ronald Reagan Blvd (512) 986-7681
ARBORETUM 10515 N Mopac Expressway (512) 342-6893
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