Architect outlines three expansion concepts and $23.3 million budget estimate for Oconomowoc Public Library

Christy Monk, project manager and architect with FEH Design, presented preliminary planning work and three conceptual options for expanding and renovating the Oconomowoc Public Library during the Committee of the Whole on April 15, 2025. “I am Christy Monk with FEH Design, project manager and architect,” Monk told the council and audience, and she described the goals guiding the study: more programming space, accessible design and flexibility for the next 20 years.

Monk said the existing building is 24,125 square feet and that the space-needs analysis projects a 20-year program that would require as much as 54,804 square feet. “So it's a little bit of a difference between 24,000 to 54,000 square feet,” she said. She told council members the increase is driven mainly by larger meeting and programming areas, makerspace, and additional staff and storage space rather than by adult collection space alone.

The consultant outlined three concepts shown to the project advisory task force: (1) "fill‑in L" additions that primarily expand on one level and minimize vertical construction, (2) a vertical option putting youth services on an upper level with an elevator and outdoor patios, and (3) an option called F2 that creates a three‑level atrium and maintains a drive lane and much of the parking below. Monk said the task force favored those three options after two design workshop days and four advisory meetings involving more than 70 participants.

FEH supplied conceptual cost estimates. Monk said the highest‑cost concept, F2 (the three‑level atrium), carries a preliminary, all‑in estimate of about $23,300,000, which the packet describes as “concept budget” including building and site construction plus typical soft costs (fees, insurance, testing). Monk cautioned that the figure is a conceptual, pre‑bid number intended for early planning, not a guaranteed contract price.

On service delivery, FEH reported the city's current circulation, visits and programming levels are high for the service population; the consultant characterized the library as “very efficient” at fitting materials into limited space but noted modern accessibility and programming standards (wider aisles, lower shelving, lounges, and maker areas) require more area. Monk also presented branch options, noting that a population around 50,000 is commonly the tipping point to open a staffed branch; she described smaller “express” or locker-based branch options in the packet.

Council members and residents asked about parking impacts, traffic and how the design would preserve existing parking. Monk said many concepts keep a smaller footprint and go vertical to reduce lost stalls and that any parking-structure solution would be outside the present study scope and constrained by adjacent private property. She also recommended next steps including publicizing the study results, conducting a community‑wide survey, and pursuing a fundraising feasibility study and grant searches. Monk said FEH plans to provide a fundraising-feasibility cost estimate and to collaborate with a fundraising consultant if the council proceeds.

The presentation concluded with council members thanking FEH and the library for the briefing. No formal council action or vote to approve a specific design or budget occurred at the meeting; the consultant recommended follow‑up public outreach and a fundraising feasibility study to inform future decisions.

Ending: The council will consider outreach, feasibility study costs and grant opportunities before advancing a preferred concept or a referendum; FEH will supply additional cost details and a draft fundraising feasibility scope to library staff.