Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Public Library on Friday unveiled the design for a new library in Chinatown.
The new Chinatown Library Branch will replace a rental branch that serves 21,000 people each month, according to a release from Mayor Emanuel’s office.
“This beautiful, modern design is a model for what a neighborhood library should be, and it is the latest success story in the new chapter we are writing at Chicago Public Library,” Emanuel said in a statement. “Our libraries are anchors in our communities.”
Emanuel said the project is estimated to cost $15 million.
Earlier this summer, the Chicago Public Library and the Public Building Commission worked with members of the Chinatown community in visioning sessions to create a conceptual design, which was approved by the PBC last month.
“We involved the Chinatown community in this process from the very beginning,” said PBC Executive Director Erin Lavin Cabonargi. “We will continue to work with the community to ensure the design embodies the positive energy of the vibrant community it serves.”
The new branch will replace the current facility at 2353 S. Wentworth Ave., which is one of the busiest branches in the city, according to the release.
