County Looking for Tenants in New Silver Spring Library (PHOTOS)

The new Silver Spring Library has some extra space built into it and organizations have two more weeks to apply to be a part of it.

The county is seeking proposals from one or more organizations to be included in the new Silver Spring Library on Fenton Street between Wayne Avenue and Bonifant Street in downtown Silver Spring. The new library will be approximately 63,000 square feet  and is intended to meet the unique requirements of an increasingly urban, ethnically and culturally diverse residential and business community, according to the county’s project description.

The County is seeking proposals up until March 17  that can achieve the following objectives:

• Contribute to the mission of the Montgomery County Public Libraries creating a synergy that enhances the enjoyment and use of the Silver Spring Library.
• Enhance and strengthen a cultural destination space in the Silver Spring Central Business District.
• Provide cultural and educational opportunities to the residents of Montgomery County and enhance the quality of life in the County.
• Contribute to the development of cultural opportunities in Montgomery County by making available public space for studios, public exhibitions, education, and/or development of creative partnerships.

The purpose of this Request for Proposals is to solicit proposals for organization space to be incorporated into the overall project that will be provided for use under a revocable license with the County.

The request for proposals was recently extended to the March 17 date to make sure all who wanted to apply had the time to do it, according to Greg Ossont, deputy director for the county’s Department of General Services.

“We have a myriad of local organizations to take a look at it and we expect a varied response,” Ossont told MyMcMedia Tuesday.

The cost for the space will vary by the proposal, according to Ossont, who added there was no specific rent structure in place for the project.

The county council with imput from County Executive Isiah Leggett will have the final decision on which group or groups are slotted into the library. That recommendation is expected this spring.

Susanne Churchill, who is leading the Silver Spring Library $69 million project for the county, said the new facility might be substantially completed by early April which means interior work can begin.

“There is still a lot that has to be done. Then we can develop a timeline for opening. Late spring is the goal,” Churchill said.

About Krista Brick

Krista Brick is a multi-media journalist with Montgomery Community Media.

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