Heights Libraries has chosen Middleburg Heights-based architecture firm CBLH Design Inc. to design the University Heights Branch renovation, scheduled for 2016.
CBLH Design has extensive experience designing and renovating public library buildings, and has worked with the Akron-Summit County Public Library System, the Cuyahoga County Public Library System, Lakewood Public Library, Rocky River Public Library, and Twinsburg Public Library, among many others.
“One of the reasons the Board chose CBLH for the renovation is its understanding of the architectural needs of public libraries,” says Heights Libraries Director Nancy Levin. “They have worked on more than 10 library projects in Northeast Ohio, and each one reflects the uniqueness of its community.”
The selection of the firm was based on an open request for quotation (RFQ) process completed June 1. The RFQ was published on April 8, 2015, and a list of eight firms was presented to the Heights Libraries Trustees in May. On May 20, three of those firms were asked to appear before the Board and present their qualifications in person; the other two firms, both based in Cleveland, were Studio Techne and Holzheimer Bolek and Meehan.
“CBLH really impressed the Library Trustees with the team’s attention to detail and their creativity,” says Board President Rob Fischer. “They have a clear appreciation for understanding the needs of the community while staying on schedule and on budget—this is a public library, and it belongs to our residents, to our community. They get that.”
For the next phase of the University Heights branch renovation project, CBLH will present the library board with three design schemes at different price points between $1 million and $4.5 million. The Library hopes to have the scope of the project determined by the fall of 2015.
CBLH, whose principles are Marc Bittinger and Michael Liezert, has received multiple awards for their work, including an Historic Resource Award from the Cleveland Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and a Community Revitalization Award from the Cleveland Restoration Society.
