It’s taken months, particularly given the number of parties involved, but preliminary planning work is moving apace for what is being touted as a community innovation center in Fort Collins.
The project is the product of a unique partnership between the City of Fort Collins, the Poudre River Public Library District, and the Poudre School District, and will go up on the southeast side of the city on a 10-acre site.
By design, the center will house a full-services library, multi-use spaces, and both aquatics and recreational facilities.
Land for the project, located adjacent to the Fossil Ridge High School at 5400 Ziegler Road, is being donated by the school district. The city is paying for the construction of the aquatic facility, while the Poudre River Public Library District is paying for the library portion of the project.
Once the new library is completed, say officials with the library district, the existing Council Tree Library at 2733 Council Tree Avenue, which is said to be too small for current purposes, will be closed.
Work on the project could begin sometime in 2025. Before then, the three participating entities are expected to sign an Intergovernmental Agreement that will provide guidance on the project moving forward.
By Garry Boulard
