|
|
Buckhead Library Saved
By Lila Campbell
Supporters and preservationists who opposed the possible destruction of the Buckhead Library at 269 Buckhead Ave. are breathing a sigh of relief after the Fulton County Commission and the Library Board of Trustees rejected a proposal in July to tear down the structure and rebuild it elsewhere.
Developer Ben Carter wanted the site for his $1.5 billion The Streets of Buckhead project, which is well under way in the heart of Buckhead Village. The redevelopment will cover eight city blocks, and the library was in the way. Carter offered $24 million to build another library and incorporate it into The Streets of Buckhead or duplicate the building on another piece of property.
The angular, modern lines of the library, designed by Mack Scogin/Merrill Elam Architects, have stirred up controversy since it opened in 1989. Some in the community hailed it as an architectural gem, while others called it an out-of-place eyesore. The building has won numerous design awards, including the 1993 National American Institute of Architects Award for Excellence.
Fans of the library set up blogs, Facebook pages and online petitions to save the library, and it appears the issue is finally settled.
"The [Fulton County Board of] Commissioners can revisit issues at any time, but there’s not currently an offer on the table, and we don’t foresee this issue coming back," said John Szabo, Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System director. "The positive that came out of the whole discussion was that there was such huge support for the services [the library] provides, as well as the building. That’s exciting to see and a reminder that the citizens of Buckhead are strong supporters of the public library system."
Fulton County residents will vote on Nov. 4 on a $275 million bond referendum for construction, expansion and renovation of all their public libraries. If passed, $1.9 million of that would be allocated to renovating the Buckhead branch.
Asked about the specific issues that would be addressed, Szabo said: "Certainly we’d be looking at the building infrastructure and nuts and bolts issues, but also looking at more effectively utilizing the square footage with new technologies and children’s services. Any renovation plans would respect and preserve the wonderful architecture of this building."
As for The Streets of Buckhead project, it will build around the library.
"We’ll continue to develop The Streets of Buckhead with the best interest of area residents in mind," Carter said. "When it opens in November 2009, [it] will be one of the most luxurious shopping destinations in the country, with brands like HermËs, Bottega Veneta and Oscar de la Renta, for visitors to enjoy. The Streets of Buckhead will be a positive presence in Buckhead and Atlanta for years to come."
|
