Architect selected to make new library a ‘green' building

MILFORD - The Building Task Force of the Pike County Public Library this week selected Frederic Schwartz Architects (FSA) of New York City as the winner of a six-month competition to create a preliminary architectural plan for a new 18,000-square-foot central library. The Schwartz design, featuring many innovative green building technologies and methods, was the unanimous choice among a twelve-person Design Jury last month. Their recommendation was unanimously approved by the Building Task Force and PCPL Board of Directors last week. Explaining the decision to employ a design competition, Maleyne Syracuse, Chair of the Building Task Force, said, “Our design competition was undertaken to minimize expense while providing creative contributions from many of the best architects in the Northeast.” The front of the library features a park-like setting, bordered by trees that screen parked cars from view. The parking area, comprising a pervious concrete and grass system to minimize storm water runoff, accommodates approximately 40 cars, including handicapped-accessible spaces. The large setback in front of the building mirrors the architectural treatment of other historic civic buildings in Milford, such as the Court House. “A public meeting as well as meetings with local government entities and community organizations will help us gather input as we move toward a final design,” Syracuse said. The formal launch of the fundraising phase of the Building Program will be a festive dinner dance on Saturday, April 14 at the new Visitor Activity Center at the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC). To purchase tickets, contact Karen Porter, at 570-296-7705. Tickets are $150 per person, $100 of which is a tax-deductible contribution to the Capital Campaign.