Advocates press council to stabilize and preserve Alfred Noble library building

A coalition of residents and the nonprofit Save Alfred Noble pressed the Livonia City Council on Tuesday to protect and stabilize the former Alfred Noble library building, saying the structure has not received promised preventive maintenance and is at risk of further damage. Save Alfred Noble representative Cindy Fleming and other speakers described water infiltration, roof and drainage problems, and a flooded electrical panel in the building that has been closed since October 2019. "The building went from an operating library in October 2019...to a building found recently by an independent structural engineering firm to have a leaking roof, clogged roof drains, missing and clogged gutters, and a basement that continually fills with water," Fleming said. Why it matters: The building is a mid-century modern design by architect Gunnar Burckhardt that advocates say has architectural and community value. Residents said the mayor—s February letter promising to "stabilize the exterior, provide some kind of interior ventilation, secure the building from vandals" has not been followed by visible action and that the delay has undercut fundraising and preservation efforts. Council response and status: Council members said the Noble site and related Sheldon Park matters remain in committee for further study. Council president and other members acknowledged the public—s frustration about the pace of action and said staff are working to provide a formal administrative response. Councilmember McIntyre (commenting as vice president Tashnik in the meeting record) said an access waiver process is being completed to allow licensed professionals to enter the building; the council—s facility reports indicate the foundation is sound, but flooding and electrical hazards limit immediate interior work. Clarifying details and next steps: Advocates said the city—s own inspections and a separate engineering assessment identify ongoing water intrusion and deferred maintenance; council members said a short-term solution could be a temporary construction power meter and a sump-pump connection to keep the basement dry while long-term plans are developed. The matter remains in committee and is scheduled for further attention at the next meeting. Ending: Save Alfred Noble said it has organized years of community engagement and asked the city to allow timely access and to follow through on promised stabilization so the nonprofit can pursue fundraising and grant applications to restore the building.