Architectural Design: Simonson Germany Nonemaker + Associated, Inc. (SGN+A) are the architects of Sequoya Commons. Bruce Simonson, a former Madisonian, is leading the architectural process of Sequoya Commons. The architectural design of Sequoya Commons is influenced by the character of its surrounding neighborhoods. Overall, the project is most similar to the International style of architecture, but also includes many features associated with the Modern style of the 1950s and 1960s. Characteristics of the International style, such as multiple levels and floor to ceiling glass, are apparent in the library and retail space. Characteristics of the Modern style, such as simple detailing, picture windows, and the use of horizontal trim and siding, directly reflect the surrounding residential neighborhood. Library: The most excitement surrounding the project is the expansion of the Sequoya Branch Library. Having a library as the anchor tenant of a mixed-use development is what makes this project unique; few libraries in the state are positioned within a development that includes both retail and residential components. The Sequoya Branch is a current Midvale Plaza tenant, and with only 11,000 square-feet, it is the busiest library in the City and in all central Wisconsin. In 2006, the Sequoya Branch had over 400,000 visitors and circulated over 900,000 books and media. The new library will expand to 20,000 square-feet, nearly doubling its capacity, and will offer a more convenient and user friendly space. Additionally, the Sequoya Branch is pursuing LEED-CI certification for sustainable building. Designed by the architectural firm Engberg Anderson Design Partnership, the new library’s interior will include a much expanded children’s area, a new teen area, study rooms and a large community room. The glass atrium reading room, a prominent focal point positionedn the corner of Midvale and Tokay Boulevards, will offer a quiet reading space featuring an abundance of natural sunlight and comfortable seating. The library portion of Sequoya Commons will be city-owned, rather than leased. The City of Madison is contributing $4.2 million toward the purchase and build-out of the space, and toward the purchase of new equipment and computers. The Madison Public Library Foundation and the Sequoya Branch Capital Campaign Committee are in the midst of a campaign to raise another $975,000 in private donations. Parking: The L-shaped layout of the first building allows for a centrally located, surface parking lot. The parking lot consists of one hundred parking stalls available to retail and library visitors. Eighty underground parking stalls are reserved for the residents of Sequoya Commons. |
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