As Rutland enters the new year, city officials and library leaders are taking significant steps toward enhancing community infrastructure. Rutland City and the Rutland Free Library will co-host three public meetings to discuss the proposed civic center at 88 Merchants Row, inviting residents to participate in shaping the future of local public spaces.
Upcoming public meetings
The first meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 16, at 5:30 p.m. in the Fox room at the Rutland Free Library. This session will feature a 10-minute PowerPoint presentation, a brief speech by Mayor Michael Doenges, and an open Q&A segment, allowing attendees to voice their questions and concerns directly to city leaders.
Following this, “Lunch with the Library” will occur on Wednesday, Jan. 22, at noon in the Fox Room of Rutland Free Library. This informal gathering will spotlight State Librarian Catherine Delneo alongside Mayor Doenges. Attendees will enjoy light refreshments while engaging in a Q&A session, fostering a collaborative environment for feedback and discussion.
The final meeting will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 5:30 p.m., also in the Fox Room. This session will explore the community’s needs and desires for the new library and civic center, encouraging residents to share their visions and expectations for these essential public facilities.
In addition to the meetings, the public is invited to tour the current library location at 10 Court St. with Library Director Randal Smathers. These tours will provide firsthand insight into the existing infrastructure and highlight the areas in need of improvement. The tours will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21, and at 10 a.m. on Jan. 22, preceding the noon “Lunch with the Library” meeting.
Collaborative efforts and feasibility studies
Since announcing the potential move to a new civic center last summer, Rutland City and the Rutland Free Library have been diligently exploring the feasibility of co-locating their services. A preliminary architectural feasibility study conducted by the library identified no major concerns aside from the necessary structural reinforcement to support the weight of library materials—a standard requirement for library construction.
“We’re fulfilling our pledge to the citizens of greater Rutland by holding these joint public conversations,” stated a library representative. These meetings aim to ensure transparency and community involvement in the decision-making process, reflecting the collaborative spirit between the city and the library.
The Rutland Free Library has been considering significant renovations to its 10 Court St. location for over 15 years. Initial discussions began in 2009 when then-Director Paula Baker and Board President Paul Gallo proposed relocating to “The Pit” at Wales and Center streets. This led to a $750,000 bond from the City of Rutland to address emergencies such as a new roof. Over the years, the library has tackled repairs for ceiling collapses, boiler failures, and outdated lighting systems.
Despite these efforts, a comprehensive renovation of 10 Court St. remains necessary. Due to factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent inflation, the projected cost has escalated to approximately $9.5 million. In response, Smathers and new Board President Barry Cohen engaged in discussions with Mayor Doenges to explore more cost-effective solutions.
Exploring the potential of 88 Merchants Row
Mayor Doenges recommended considering 88 Merchants Row as an alternative location, citing its larger space and recent renovations. This option promises significant cost savings, with an estimated $4.5 million required to gut and refinish one floor, compared to the higher costs of renovating the current site. Additionally, City Hall, now at Strongs Avenue, faces similar challenges of aging infrastructure and deferred maintenance, potentially costing millions in repairs.
By collocating at 88 Merchants Row, the library and city hall could benefit from shared resources and reduced capital expenses. This move would also align with modern library design principles, emphasizing single-floor layouts with end-to-end visibility to create a secure and welcoming environment for visitors of all ages. Additionally, the new location would allow the library to incorporate universal accessibility features in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, addressing the needs of all community members.
Engaging the public in the planning process
The series of public meetings and tours underscores Rutland City and the Rutland Free Library’s commitment to involving residents in the planning process. The organizations aim to build consensus and ensure that the new civic center meets the community’s diverse needs by soliciting feedback and providing detailed information about the proposed changes.
“We believe that involving the public is essential to creating a space that truly serves Rutland’s residents,” Mayor Doenges commented. “These meetings are an opportunity for everyone to share their thoughts and help shape the future of our civic facilities.”
As Rutland continues to evolve, the proposed civic center at 88 Merchants Row represents a significant opportunity to modernize public infrastructure and enhance community services. The collaborative efforts of Rutland City and the Rutland Free Library highlight a shared vision of a safer, more accessible, and community-focused environment.
Residents are encouraged to attend the upcoming meetings and tours to contribute their perspectives and stay informed about the developments.
For more info,, visit: rutlandfree.org/civic.
By James Kent
The Rutland Free Library (left) and city hall are considering a move to 88 Merchants Row (Right).
