Library and Community Center Redevelopment Update
In September 2022, the City began preparing for the renovation of the library and community center. Since then, the library has been temporarily relocated to 7505 New Hampshire Ave., solar panels have been removed from the library roof, the library mosaic has been stored, partitions between the library and community center have been erected, interior demolition has been completed, and utilities have been disconnected.
In the coming weeks, prior to the demolition of the library, you may notice less parking availability at the Community Center as contractors periodically visit the site and materials are stored in preparation for the construction of the new building. The impact on parking during this phase of the project, prior to the building demolition, should have a minimal impact on access to the Community Center.
The demolition of the library is pending several final permits and approvals from local permitting authorities, most notably the County’s Department of Permitting Services. All permits and approvals are currently submitted and under review. While the timing of the release of the permits and approvals is subject to each permit authority’s queue, demolition is expected to begin in late March or early April. As the demolition date becomes more certain, notices will be provided to the community at large. Prior to demolition, a construction fence enclosing the entire construction site will be installed; however, the Community Center will remain open, and most of the existing City services will continue.
As a result of the construction, parking at the Community Center will be severely limited for both staff and residents. The City has prioritized parking at the Community Center for residents. Below is a map identifying patron parking at the Community Center during construction. Parking restrictions are expected to take effect about a week prior to demolition and last until the project is complete in Fall 2024.
City staff will park offsite on various private lots and public streets within walking distance of the Community Center. To limit the number of staff vehicles on any single street, City staff have been assigned specific streets and, in some cases, particular blocks to park. These streets include the 100 and 200 blocks of Grant Ave., the 7500 block of Maple Ave., Lee Ave., Sherman Ave., and Darwin Ave. Staff will be parked on public streets from approximately 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
There will also be several changes along Maple Ave. to accommodate parking during construction. Immediately in front of the Community Center, adjacent to the bridge and Maple Ave Community Center entrance, parking will be restricted to 15 minutes from 7 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. On the adjacent southbound portion of Maple Ave., approximately three parking spaces will be reserved for City-owned administrative vehicles for the duration of construction. To stay up to date, visit: https://bit.ly/tkpkrenovation
A version of this article was featured in the March 2023 Newsletter. Visit the Takoma Park Newsletter webpage to see the full list of past newsletters.
