Library Building Project

Transcript: New Richmond Community Library Building Project

Hi everyone, my name is Noah Wiedenfeld, and I serve the New Richmond community as your City Administrator and Utilities Manager. I’m really excited today to talk to you about the New Richmond Community Library building project and to answer some frequently asked questions that we’ve received.

We are constructing a mixed-use public library to serve the needs of our growing community. The land was generously gifted to the City of New Richmond by the School District in 2017 and was previously the site of the former high school and middle school for many years.

Construction began in September 2024. Once completed, there will be a 30,000-square-foot public library on the first floor of the building, with three levels of residences above it. There will be underground parking for residents who live above the library, as well as a surface parking lot and on-street parking for library visitors and guests.

A standalone townhome building is being constructed on the northeast corner of the property. In addition, there will be green space on the southeast corner of the site. A public pedestrian corridor along the north side of the library will feature landscaping, outdoor seating, and playground equipment.

Ownership and Partnerships

Our private partner, 360 Real Estate Solutions, will own the standalone townhome building. The mixed-use library building will have shared ownership. 360 Real Estate Solutions will own the underground parking garage as well as the residences above the library.

The New Richmond Community Development Authority (CDA) will own the first floor of the building and lease it to the City of New Richmond to be used as a library. The CDA will also own all outdoor space and the surface parking lot.

In summary, the City of New Richmond will control the library and the surrounding outdoor space, while 360 Real Estate Solutions will own and manage the underground parking, the residences above the library, and the standalone townhome building.

Inside the New Library

When you enter the library, the coffee shop will be located on the southwest corner of the building, near the restrooms. There will be large meeting rooms and smaller boardrooms, all of which can be used by the public for a wide variety of events—from large family or business gatherings to small board or client meetings. A kitchen space will be available for outside catering.

The first floor also includes an area restricted to residents who live above the library, where the elevator, property manager’s office, and mailroom will be located.

As you move east down the main corridor, the library will feature a dedicated teen space with flexible furniture, small breakout rooms, and workspace and storage for library employees.

The eastern half of the building includes an additional restroom, a family room, and a dedicated children’s area. You’ll also find the main circulation desk, library staff offices, additional workspaces, and a break room.

This area will include a designated space for computers and printing, as well as a large adult collection area with a variety of seating options. In the northeast corner of the building is where you’ll find the mechanical room.

Coffee Shop Partner

The City is proud to be partnering with Joven Roasters, which will open its second location inside the new library. Visitors will be able to enjoy beverages, baked goods, and an assortment of food options to take on the go or enjoy inside the library.

Residential Components

Archway Residences will include a total of 69 market-rate apartments above the library, consisting of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units.

The standalone townhome building will include nine market-rate apartments, with one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom options. The Archway Residences website includes information about finishes, floor plans, and pricing, and leases are already being signed.

The project is tracking right on schedule, thanks to favorable weather and the hard work of many dedicated construction teams. The standalone townhome building is scheduled to be completed and occupied by June 2025, and the New Richmond Community Library is on track to be completed in October 2025.

Project Cost and Funding

At $30 million, this is the largest public-private partnership in the community’s history. About half of that cost is attributed to the residential component, which is paid for by our private partner, 360 Real Estate Solutions. The remaining half covers the library, parking, and outdoor amenities.

The City’s portion of the project will be funded through lease revenue bonds, impact fees collected when new homes are built, grants, and donations. We are actively seeking grants and donations to help reduce the amount of borrowing required for the project.

This is an opportunity to contribute to a facility that will serve the community for the next 50 years. Donors will be recognized with permanent signage inside the library, and naming rights are available for various spaces. Tax-deductible donations can be made to the St. Croix Valley Foundation, designated to the New Richmond Community Library Building Fund.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this exciting project so far.

School District Partnership & Closing

In 2022, the School District of New Richmond and the City of New Richmond formalized their shared intention for the School District to lease the existing library from the City. We’re excited that the building will continue to help meet the educational needs of the community in a new way.

For updates and more information, please visit the library website at newrichmondlibrary.org/building.

You can also contact Noah Wiedenfeld, City Administrator; Ryan Izzo, Assistant City Administrator and Finance Director; or Monica Lold, Library Director, with any questions.

Thank you for your interest and support of this exciting community project.