Hennepin County unveiled design concepts this month for its longstanding plan to rebuild the Southdale Library in Edina.
Construction of a new library building is set to begin mid-2025 and wrap-up in late 2027.
The existing library, built in 1971, is the fourth busiest library in the Hennepin County Library system.
Southdale Library conceptual rendering. Courtesy of Hennepin County.
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The nearly 8-acre property near the intersection of York Avenue South and West 70th Street previously housed several other county services, which have all since relocated.
Therefore, returning several acres of the property to a native plant cover is one the many sustainability goals of the project.
In addition to providing outdoor learning and play opportunities for library patrons, the landscape design will manage around 95% of annual average rainfall, according to the county.
“The new Southdale Library will be a hub for lifelong learning and creativity,” the county’s project website states. “The space will be accessible, welcoming, include lots of natural light and outdoor/green space, and be connected to neighborhoods and public amenities.”