PRESS RELEASE: Belle Isle Library to Close for Renovations
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – The library known to many as the “Millennium Falcon” or “Starship Enterprise” will close on July 17, 2020 to undergo an extensive remodel, launching the 1960s style library into the future. Before this remodel begins, the library will move into a temporary location at 3621 NW Expressway, next to Gold’s Gym and Buy for Less.
The temporary library location will open in mid-August, and construction will start around the same time on the renovations of the existing building.
The renovations will preserve the building’s iconic looks while still giving the library some much needed upgrades. The renovation will include adding about 10,000 square feet to the library to include a much larger meeting area, study rooms, children’s programming space, large teen space and a makerspace/MLS studios. In addition, the library will have all new furniture, more computers and more parking.
ADG is the local architecture firm for the renovation.
Visit www.metrolibrary.org for updates about the move to the temporary location and the renovation.
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This looks so very neat! As it was my home branch growing up, I am partial to Belle Isle and am so happy to see it getting some love. Question--do the first two renderings show the South and East elevations? I could very easily be mistaken, but if so, it looks as if the cars are parked opposite the orientation they currently have when parked on that side--will the entrance to that parking area change? Or am I looking at it wrong? Thank you and best of luck!
Hi Jennifer, Yes, the traffic flow on the east side of the building is being oriented differently to improve traffic flow. The parking lot will be closed off from the building to the west. The entrance on to Villa at the northeast corner of the property, near the current lower level entrance, will remain and the one at the busy corner of Villa and the Northwest Expressway will be eliminated. An entrance will be added on the southwest corner of the parking lot to allow traffic to enter and exit directly to the NW Expressway.
Wow, it's going to look so different, but hopefully that will help with the traffic flow and parking. Thanks!
Hello Jennifer!
Thank you for sharing our excitement over BI's upcoming remodel and your good wishes!
In answer to your question, the first two pictures are both of the east (Villa Ave) entrance. One view is the entrance viewed straight on. The second view is from the southeast corner, as if you were viewing it from Northwest expressway and Villa Ave.
I hope that helps?
Yes, that's very helpful, thanks!