The Milpitas Public Library will be a resource-rich, landmark civic building and a premier Midtown destination.  It’s your “community living room” designed and built to inspire learning and improve information access and knowledge for everyone.

This 60,000-square foot library and connected parking garage will be surrounded by a decorative and pedestrian-friendly streetscape on N. Main Street from Weller Lane to Carlo Street.  Streetscape improvements include placing all overhead utilities underground, new sidewalks and landscaping.  Traffic calming methods such as street medians and crosswalks at sidewalk level are planned for pedestrian safety.

Your new two-story library will feature the historic Milpitas Grammar School in the center with separate wings to the north and south.  The North Wing has two stories: the first floor will house the children’s library, and a story time / activity room; the second floor will host the young adult section, homework center and reference areas.  The South Wing will consist of the lobby and areas for Friends of the Library, new books, audio-visual media, and group study.

In addition to distinctive architecture, the library’s folded metal roof gracefully embraces the neo-classical Milpitas Grammar School built in 1918.  To honor the original courtyard interior, the historic building will have a restored enclosed courtyard reading room with a raised, translucent Tensile-fabric roof for excellent lighting.  It will house a multi-purpose auditorium, conference room, public access computers, periodicals, and areas for homework / group study.  The columned entrance will be used for ceremonies and special events.  A civic entry plaza will function as the library’s main entrance to the lobby, which is to the right of the historic building.

Check out the following floor plans for a preview of the layout:

• Schematic Design (PDF)
• Architectural Drawing (PDF)

Project Status
As of Mid-April 2008, the Milpitas Public Library is almost 70% complete and the construction schedule is on time for completion in December 2008.  The current work involves enclosing the structure to make it weather tight this winter.  Windows, raised flooring and stair systems, roofing, electrical, and plumbing are being installed.

Fast Facts:

• Size: Two stories – 60,000 square feet
• Design:  Contemporary architecture contrasts and respects the neo-classical style of the incorporated historic building.
• Cost:  $39 Million
• Funding:  City of Milpitas Redevelopment Agency
• Architect:  Group 4 Architecture, Research + Planning, Inc.
• Construction contractor:  S.J. Amoroso Construction
• Construction time frame:  Two years, January 2007 – December 2008
• The new library and connected garage will be owned and maintained by the City of Milpitas with a leasing agreement to the Santa Clara County Joint Powers Authority for library operations.

Project Milestones

For more information, please contact:
Steve Erickson, PE
Acting Capital Improvement Manager
serickson@ci.milpitas.ca.gov