In February 2010, the Feasibility Committee agreed upon a space program of 16,250 SF configured as a single-story facility as the most affordable and fiscally sustainable solution for the new Ketchikan Public Library.  The Feasibility Committee also confirmed current and future needs will be met and future building expansion would be easily accommodated id desired.

Space Planning Workshop: In January/February 2010, The Foraker Group Pre-Development Program provided technical assistance and comprehensive tools for the Feasibility Committee to work through the necessary steps to systematically determine the “right size” for a new library facility.

As a first step the Committee:

• Set target population
• Established public space needs
• Established staff needs
• Identified building support areas

A space program model was presented as a starting point for Committee review, input and recommendations.  The model explored:

• Existing library spaces and sizes for comparison
• Option “A” based on demonstrated space need of 15,157 SF
• Option “B” based on the high end of demonstrated space need 18,519 SF

The Committee reached consensus on Option “A” and “B” as generally reasonable for a newlibrary facility. 

Further space program refinement continued with input on:

• Analysis of 2009 library events/attendees
• Operational efficiencies and budget impacts of a single-story and multi-story facility
• Preliminary cost estimate and location for the new library facility

The Feasibility Committee agreed upon a 16,250 SF single-story facility as the most affordable and fiscally sustainable option for the new library facility.