Ceremony Marks Start Of Indian Trail Library

Work is scheduled to begin soon on the Indian Trail branch library.

A groundbreaking ceremony is set for 3:30 p.m., May 13, with local dignitaries and community representatives. After the ceremony, a reception will be held at Indian Trail Community Church.

The 10,600-square-foot branch library will be built on 1.5 acres near Indian Trail and Barnes roads, next to the community church.

It was designed by Tan-Heyamoto Architects and features high ceilings, cozy reading areas and a cupola. There will also be a 40-car parking lot.

Tuesday, the Library Board of Trustees awarded a $1,140,400 building contract to R. Redding Construction Co. of Spokane. Eight firms bid on the project. Redding came in $30,000 below the estimated cost, said Dolly Richendrfer, library spokeswoman.

The library is expected to open next February.

Construction is funded through the 1990 Municipal Library Bond Issue, but money for staffing and operation of the new branch will come from the library’s operations budget.

“This will have a significant impact on our current budget, as it will require an estimated additional $350,000 a year to staff and keep open eight hours a day, six days a week,” said Aubrey George, library director.

The Indian Trail branch is the sixth and last library to be built with the bond money.

On the other side of Indian Trail Road, the Prince of Peace Church project is on hold until the current building is sold and a construction loan approved.

Surveying, traffic and environmental studies have all been completed. Architects West is preparing preliminary designs for the building.

The full cost of the project is estimated at $1.8 million

Lewis Dennie, President of Prince of Peace congregation, said membership at the church is about 900 and growing. Much of the growth is coming from the Indian Trail neighborhood.

, DataTimes