Design firm previews five concepts for Middletown library; committee debates 2‑ vs 3‑story options, neighborhood fit and referendum timing

Consultants from Silver Petrucelli Associates and Gohman in New York presented five concept designs for a library addition that would connect to Middletown’s historic brownstone church, and committee members discussed whether to pursue a two‑ or three‑story approach ahead of a planned November referendum.

Todd Conant, a project architect with Silver Petrucelli Associates, walked the Library & City Hall Feasibility Study Committee through five façade and massing options that range from cost‑conscious two‑story schemes to more ambitious three‑story designs that rely on sunken plazas and light wells to bring daylight to lower levels. “All of these options, you would be able to see from the outside of the building, through the windows … the bookcases throughout the space,” Conant said, explaining the team’s emphasis on glass fronts to showcase library stacks.

Why this matters: the committee has set an internal schedule to deliver a recommended plan to council by summer and, if approved, place a question on the ballot in November. Ramona (staff) said the referendum timeline remains the goal, and consultants said they will produce an economic impact and cost estimate to inform the final recommendation.

Consultants and staff provided early numbers and process: Ramona and consultants cited a rough program size in the low‑to‑mid 60,000 square‑foot range for the concepts under study — “around the 63,000 square foot number, give or take,” Ramona said — and the team will refine interior layouts and cost estimates if the committee narrows the preferred massing. The consultants also plan additional interior renderings and environmental/solar studies once the committee establishes a preferred direction.

Committee concerns focused on three themes. First, zoning and daylighting: several three‑story options rely on a lower terrace or sunken court to comply with a 36‑foot height limit from street grade, creating a below‑grade level that must receive natural light. “That’s why the 3‑story options are dealing with a sunken, plaza and a lower terrace level that’s below grade,” Conant said; members asked the team to confirm zoning heights and to show how light wells will perform at different times of day.

Second, operations and maintenance: Steve Nelson and others warned that sunken plazas and flat roofs increase long‑term maintenance needs and drainage complexity, and recommended designs that prioritize positive roof drainage and low‑maintenance materials. “Once you have a sunken garden in the front of the building, you have to take care of it,” Nelson said, urging the team to plan for monitoring and upkeep.

Third, neighborhood fit and historic context: several members, including Phil, urged finishes and cladding that respect the brownstone church and the village‑district character. “What I’m seeing … it certainly diminishes that 200 year old building,” Phil said, arguing that the design should better blend with adjacent historic fabric. Conant and other consultants agreed the finish palette and cladding are adjustable and said they would explore options that tie tonally to the church while preserving a modern massing.

Program and operations: committee members asked about preserving the Hubbard Room and accommodating teen/children’s spaces and outdoor terraces for seating; Conant confirmed the Hubbard Room would be retained in all options and said the designs can be adapted to include terraces and flexible interior programming. The consultants noted that three‑story schemes would add circulation and staffing requirements compared with two‑story designs.

Budget and next steps: Ramona reported the project appropriation currently has just over $26,000 unencumbered and reminded the committee that any additional scope outside encumbered amounts must be encumbered by the end of June (preferably early June) to use the funds. Mayor Florsheim said the town remains interested in a November referendum but emphasized that the economic impact study and cost estimates are needed to make a case for voters. He added that bringing the existing municipal building at 245 To Covent Drive up to code would require a mult imillion‑dollar investment — described in the meeting as a “7,000,000 plus dollar” figure by the mayor — and that consultants will compare retrofit versus redevelopment paths.

What’s next: consultants will refine massing, develop interior renderings on the directions the committee identifies, verify zoning/height constraints, and deliver the economic impact study and cost estimates to support council and referendum planning. The committee set its next meeting for April 22 to review updated material.