Plainsboro has received a $1 million grant from Middlesex County toward transforming its former library complex into a community recreation center.
Mayor Peter Cantu made the announcement during the Township Committee’s meeting on May 11. The grant comes from the county’s Open Space, Recreation and Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund, said Cantu.
The renovation of the 19,200-square-foot existing structure and the plaza surrounding it is estimated to cost $4.7 million, officials said.
“Plainsboro will repair and restore the structure, which will include a new roof and re-skinning the exterior of the building,” stated a township press release. “The project will also include changes to the plaza area located between the future center and municipal building.”
However, the building will be modified to accommodate recreational and cultural activities. The grant will offset the costs of those recreational and cultural components of the project.
“The renovation involves work associated with maintenance,” said Cantu. “We’re replacing the exteriors and also doing some roof work. But in addition to that, we’re making some modification for recreational uses at this facility. The money helps with that.”
Plans call for a revamping of the outside landscape and renovation of the former library facility that will create meeting rooms, a cooking area, computer training rooms, a drop-in center that can be accessed after hours, bulk storage areas, a painting and crafts room, and a large space in the center of the library that can seat up to 220 people for lectures and other activities. The central space in the existing facility will be used for arts and enrichment programs. The space can be used for art displays, lecture series, stand-alone displays, concerts, and other activities.
Plans also call for modification of storm drainage. Low, drought-tolerant planting material will also replace the tall canopy trees that currently block visibility of the plaza. Officials will keep the existing entrance ramp but will provide a longer ramp. Walls will also need to be repaired.
An important feature of the building will be the drop-in center, an isolated space off to the side of the building upon entering. The drop-in center will be used for community groups like seniors, special needs groups, children, exercise classes, and social activities for large groups. The bathrooms will also be modified to meet ADA requirements.
The new facility will also feature new lighting, ceilings, and heating and air conditioning units. The existing roof will also need to be replaced, and work will need to be done to the windows and doors.
Construction, scheduled to begin later this summer, is estimated to take between 10 and 12 months.
