Background
In the 2004 Kingston Frontenac Public Library’s Branch Services Review the Central Branch was described as not being consistent with current standards and increasingly at odds with user expectations. In the twelve years since the Branch Services Review was written, public libraries have faced, and are continuing to face, a period of unprecedented change, much of it driven by emerging technologies and people’s changing lifestyles and patterns.
In developing KFPL Vision 2020, its strategic plan for the next five to seven years, the Kingston Frontenac Public Library recognized that the changes have and will impact how residents use library space. KFPL Vision 2020 specifically addresses the needs of the Central Branch under "Difference-Making Spaces," looking to redefine its role to "better reflect its unique position in downtown Kingston and its potential for stronger partnerships with other organizations and for a greater contribution to municipal objectives in the downtown, with its cultural and heritage resources, tourism and economic development."
In 2013, exp Services Inc. was engaged to undertake an asset study to report on the condition of the Central Branch building and its systems. The report indicated that many of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning and electrical systems were operating beyond their normal expected service life.
The functional need for redevelopment of the Central Branch, combined with the need to replace the windows, HVAC and electrical systems is driving the renovation and refurbishment of the Central Branch.
Documents and Reports
2014
Original Central Branch Renovation Presentation
On November 25, 2014, we held a public meeting at the Central Branch to introduce the renovation project and to gather some feedback. Mark Mehrer of Resource Planning Group provided some context from a library space planning perspective and Susan Croswell from HDR Architecture Associates Inc. discussed some of the design and mechanical and electrical considerations. At the time of this presentation, the construction was planned to be phased over a number of years and reflects this phased approach, which is outdated.
Download the Central Branch Renovations Presentation (6MB)
2015
Master Program for the Central Branch Renovations
Resource Planning Group completed the Master Program for the Central Branch renovations in April, 2015. The Master Program documents the necessary objectives and criteria for the re‐design of the branch amd provides a guide to the functional organization and size of each functional component to be accommodated in the renovated Central Branch. The Project Parameters and Master Program provide information necessary for the preparation of preliminary cost estimates, and an assessment of the preferred physical arrangement of proposed functional components within the facility.
Download the Master Program for the Central Branch Renovations (3MB)
2016
Heritage Impact Statement
The Bishop's House at the corner of Johnson and Bagot Streets is a designated property under the Ontario Heritage Act. In addition to this designation, the Central Branch is located at the edge of the Old Sydenham Heritage Conservation District and is identified as a significant building within it.
Download the Heritage Impact Statement (11MB)
