$2.4 million plan reconfigures City Hall and library

Architecture and design consultants Jeff Bulla and Maureen Arndt presented conceptual design plans for a $2.43 million City Hall and library space renovation to Bee Cave City Council members on June 24.

The proposed construction would be conducted in three phases, Bulla said.

"Phase 1 would give us a little bit of [extra] seating, but Phase 2 would provide more room for our collections, [add a] family restroom and improve safety for the kids," Head Librarian Barbara Hathaway said. "It's something we've waited a long time for."

The library would eventually occupy most of the first floor, leaving the council chambers, executive conference room and mayor's office intact, Bulla said. Teen and adult sections would be housed in the former staff offices, which would be relocated to the second floor along with the city's municipal court, he said.

Bulla said most of the existing library files would be converted into electronic files to make room for extra meeting space upstairs.

City Council selected the consultants in early 2013 to study the space needs of the library and staff offices following the growth in the area's population. Bulla and Arndt were directed to prepare a master plan proposal to make better use of the building without relocating council chambers because of fiscal constraints.

Bulla said his research showed a common desire for increased areas for children as well as accommodating the needs of the library staff. He said these ideas were incorporated into the design's family reading niche/storytime room, a teen area for technology, seating areas and staff space.

During their July 28 budget session, Bee Cave City Council decided not to pursue the project this fiscal year. However, council may review the remodel at future budget meetings before deciding on final appropriations Sept. 9.