The Park Grove Library in Cottage Grove is closing next year to get a $13.5 million makeover and will reopen to the public in early 2027.
An architectural rendering of the new $13.5 million Park Grove Library in Cottage Grove, which is expected to open in 2027. Washington County officials are holding an open house on the project from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (Courtesy of Washington County)
The redesign of the library at 7300 Hemingway Ave. S. is necessary because access to the building, including visibility and parking, is challenging because it is tucked into a neighborhood behind several multi-story apartment buildings, said Mandy Leonard, project manager.
The majority of the existing building structure will remain, but Washington County officials plan to reconstruct the front entrance “to transform the space and create a more usable and flexible layout,” Leonard said.
Due to its proximity to residential housing and schools, pedestrian accessibility is an important aspect of the project, she said.
Officials are considering adding a second story to the building above the front entrance in order to move the building’s mechanical systems. According to Leonard, moving the mechanicals would make more space on the main floor and “provide an opportunity to create an inviting and visible plaza entrance to the library.”
A redesign of the building’s roof line also could open up the space and improve the natural light coming in from the skylight, she said.
The existing library is about 20,000 square feet and is located on 2½ acres.
Open house
County officials will hold an open house on the redesign project from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday at the Park Grove Library.
Initial drawings and ideas for a redesigned Park Grove Library will be presented, and there will be a brief presentation by the design team from Alliiance, the architecture firm hired to do the redesign. There also will be a chance for questions and an opportunity to chat informally with Alliiance, Washington County and library staff to share feedback and initial impressions on the design.
For more information, go to washingtoncountymn.gov/3662/Building-Projects.
Related Articles
‘More fun than I ever imagined’: Stillwater gondolier starts 25th season on the St. Croix
Here’s how a local nonprofit is connecting people with horses (for free)
Liberty Classical Academy, May Township resolve federal lawsuit
Anonymous Washington County Library benefactor comes through again
Stillwater Veterans Memorial to undergo $200K expansion
Leave a Reply