To get library's land, developer offers to build replica

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UPDATED: 11:30 a.m. May 23, 2008
To get library's land, developer offers to build replica
Fulton commission interested in $24 million bid for Buckhead branch

By KEVIN DUFFY
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 05/22/08

Streets of Buckhead developer Ben Carter hasn't given up on acquiring the architecturally adventurous library on Buckhead Avenue.

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Patron Tag Hunter leaves the Buckhead library branch.

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His latest offer is to build a copy of the internationally acclaimed building at the northeast corner of East Paces Ferry Road and Maple Drive, several blocks from its current site.

"Most of the commentary was not over having a new library, it was that building," Carter said. "There seems to be more opposition to losing that architecture than the functionality of the library."

The alternative site, just under 2 acres, is east of the $1.5 billion Streets of Buckhead project, which covers eight blocks. Carter said he doesn't own the corner lot but the owner is willing to sell.

Carter has offered about $24 million for the existing library because he considers it in the way of his project. He said that's more than enough money for the land, construction and furnishings at a new library.

The Fulton County Commission approved a resolution Wednesday that directs staff members to analyze Carter's proposal. The county commission will hear their recommendation next month.

"Is an offer of $300-a-square-foot worth taking a look at?" Commissioner Tom Lowe asked in an interview. "I say yes." Lowe, who once called the library "an abortion the day it was dedicated," offered the resolution.

"Ben told me, 'Hell, I'll build the same damn library at the other site,' " Lowe said. But with $24 million, Lowe added, the county could build "a bigger, fancier library."

"It's time to get rid of the emotion and look at it in the light of day as a business proposition," he said.

Designed by Mack Scogin and Merrill Elam, the library is distinctive for its black slate tiles and jutting angles. It's been dubbed a "slate dragonfly." Architectural students make pilgrimages to Atlanta to study the building, which opened in 1989.

John Szabo, the library system director, said it's doubtful $24 million is enough to build a new library in pricey Buckhead.

"I don't think creating a duplicate library would in any way ease the concerns of those who want to preserve the existing building," Szabo said. "I don't think that is their point."

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library trustees recommended spending $1.9 million to renovate the library but not change its look.

After Carter's offer to buy the library site became public in February, defenders of the building, many of them architects, demonstrated and launched petition drives.

"I'm not going to go against what their desire is," John Eaves, county commission chairman and library trustee, said Tuesday.

In voting against Carter's offer in February, trustees opposed the idea of sharing a building, defended the library's unusual look and worried new construction would be too costly. The vote was 8-0, with two abstentions, one of which was Eaves'.

Carter wants the library land because it's in the midst of his high-end project. He called the building "a gap in the experience" at his future shopping mecca.

Now under construction along Peachtree Street, Streets of Buckhead will transform what used to be a rowdy party area. Boutiques, restaurants and apartments are planned, and condominiums, offices and hotel rooms might be part of the mix later.

Scogin laughed when he was told about the duplicate-library plan.

"You've got to be kidding," he said. "Doesn't he understand that building is specific to that site? All of its form is about that site." The library sits on a rise and offers a view of Atlanta's skyline.

"The site is what the public has a privilege to. That's the issue," Scogin said. "It's in the middle of the community. It's at the high point."

The Buckhead library should be treated no less than any other government building, he said. "Capital buildings are at the center of things. They're not off to the side so you can build some kind of shopping center or something," Scogin said.

But Lowe argued "the other site's better." If the library stays put, he said, it eventually will be "in a hole," hemmed in by retail.

Initially Carter offered to put the library in a new mixed-use building at the Streets of Buckhead; then he suggested two nearby sites where a standalone library could go.

Commissioners must approve the library facility master plan by July in order to seek voter approval of bond funding in November. Currently, that bond amount is $227 million, which includes building eight new libraries.

The Buckhead branch is not among them. At least not yet.

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Comments

By Savethelibrary.blogspot

Jun 17, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

Eight recent international Pritzker Prize winners signed a letter to protect the Buckhead Library, showing its importance to the international community.

From the Pritzker - The purpose of the Pritzker Architecture Prize is to honor annually a living architect whose built work demonstrates a combination of those qualities of talent, vision and commitment, which has produced consistent and significant contributions to humanity and the built environment through the art of architecture.

Check it out at
http://www.savethelibrary.blogspot.com/

By Chad

Jun 10, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

AIA Georgia has not used membership dues to mobilize against the Carter project. AIA Georgia wrote a letter to the editor of the AJC in support of protecting the building, but they have not spent any money on the effort, nor has AIA Atlanta. This has truly been a grassroots effort by architects, architectural students, like-minded individuals. library users, and library staff. In the beginning we brought this issue to the attention of AIA Atlanta but we have not been funded them. As far as I know, no one has funded a campaign against Carter. Some petitioners may not like his development, but many encourage his project as long as it preserves and respects its neighbor, the library.

As a Georgian architect of 17 years, Akennas, I would think you would at least have an tolerance, if not an appreciation for architectural ventures that differ from your own. At any rate, perhaps the build should be praised just for inciting such passionate disgust! After all, how often does a typical Buckhead shopping center do that?

At any rate, perhaps architectural character is inferior to some of your career's work. An intelligent discussion in that regard might be interesting - but for now, it's lost in a rant over "pretentious poseurs" and their "monstrosity."

By Akennas

Jun 10, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

I am an architect, registered in Georgia for 17 years now. I thought the Buckhead Library was a joke when it was foisted on the public by the pretentious poseurs Scogin and Elam 19 years ago, and nothing in the intervening years has changed my mind. I resent that AIA Georgia has been using membership dues to mobilize against the Carter project, and am aghast that architectural students are forced to study this monstrosity. Don't rebuild it - demolish it!

By larry

Jun 10, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

Apparently Mr. Carter doesn't realize where Fulton County's money comes from, which is the very people who have taken their time to comment on this issue. In other words, they have put their money where their mouth is, and have a right to not be bullied into sacrificing a recognized architectural design for yet another ho-hum faux "shopping experience".

By Chad

Jun 10, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

Fulton County Commission meeting is next Weds June 18th at 10 am. 141 Pryor Street, Assembly Hall. If you would like to speak about the Buckhead Library, you must register in advance between 9:00-9:30am.

Come out and remind the Commission that we to keep the Buckhead Library!

By Joseph Claghorn

May 31, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

If the other site is "a better site," why doesn't the developer develop that site. If the library is "in the way" of his development, then change the plans for the development. Any halfway decent designer should be able to help him with this...I'm sure Scogin would be glad to help.

By Lecturer

May 27, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

Hey, this isn't about money. It's about protecting a civic place & an amazing, award-winning piece of architecture. A place that people value more than money.

Participate in real dialogue or SHUT UP!

By ben carter

May 27, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

thanks to everyone for your condescending lectures on what is best for buckhead. now either put your money where your mouth is. or SHUTUP!

By daver

May 26, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

Apparently the developer doesn't understand that a proper mix of uses doesn't just mean retail with apartments above. But in fact it means a library (you know a different use) right smack in the middle of retail.

By Chad

May 24, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

Cnote,

I noticed that you said the library site "was" an urination stop. You may have been right, but now that the bars are gone the library can't be a mere pit stop any longer. I applaud Carter for his grand redevelopment plans; now that the bars have been demolished, the library has an opportunity more than ever, to better serve its community -a great feat considering how busy the library already is now. (Yes, I've experienced it myself several times since February.)

However, I'd like to argue that what you�re missing is that the development will be stronger with the existing library. More importantly, the city is definitely greater with a redevelopment that respects the existing gems in the urban fabric.

Arguing that Buckhead has to be all or nothing...bars or condos, like you have is immature, at best.

Additionally, how disrespectful to the library system to claim that an "awful selection" is somehow reason to relocate it. The Buckhead staff works hard to build a relevant selection within their budget. If that is a true complaint, help the library improve rather than verbally bash its importance to the community.

Ps. I traveled from Mississippi State to Atlanta in 1997 to see MSME's library work. The present architecture class did so this year. I can send you their itinerary, if needed.

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