New Provo library an option for BYU Academ

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    By DREW LINGINFELTE

    Those who would like to see Brigham Young Academy restored to original condition might have a new reason to cheer.

    Provo Library Board members, in their search for options to expand the city’s public library, listened to a presentation Monday that outlined the feasibility of expanding and relocating the library to Academy Square.

    L. Douglas Smoot, professor of chemical engineering and chairman of the Brigham Young Academy Foundation, told the board that architects have shown the outside of the buildings can be restored and the inside rebuilt to accommodate a library.

    Architects say Academy Square can be renovated into a public library at a cost between $15 million and $27 million.

    Other options for expanding the library are less costly, but Smoot said his organization will raise the amount needed beyond what the city is willing to ask voters to contribute.

    “You will have more people use your library if it were shrouded in this wonderful shell of buildings,” said Max Smith, the Salt Lake Architect who conducted a feasibility study on renovating Academy Square.

    The current 29,000-square-foot library was determined to be at capacity in 1990, and the city needs an 80,000-square-foot library to meet its needs for the next 20 years.

    Expanding the library on site would cost between $5 million and $9 million.

    In the next few months, the Provo Library Board will make its recommendation to the Provo City Council.

    Residents would be asked to approve issuing debt of at least $4 million for the library expansion.

    Library Board Chairman Paul Sybrowsky reminded supporters of saving Academy Square that the board isn’t an advocate for historic preservation.

    “The focus of this board is to provide library services to the community,” he said.

    He said if the board decides to relocate the library to Academy Square it will be because it is the most feasible option.

    Smoot said his group will seek $2 million from the Utah Legislature and $1 million from the Utah County Commission.

    The O.C. Tanner Co. has committed $50,000 for restoration of the fountain on the square, Smoot said.

    Smoot’s organization also has donations promised from the Eccles Foundation and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Gifts from these organizations are conditional.

    Smoot said the First Presidency of the LDS Church has offered a “major gift” if the city commits to raising its portion of the needed money and if the city promises to provide on-going maintenance for the Academy.

    Provo’s elected officials strongly support development or restoration of the Academy Square, Smoot said.

    Provo paid more than $750,000 for the property in March 1994 to ensure that some development takes place soon.

    The city is the 12th owner of the property since BYU sold it more than 20 years ago.

    Smoot said the extra space at Academy Square that would not be used by the library has been evaluated for development into theaters, condominiums and conference space

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