Coventry Library To Get $1.2 Million Upgrade

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — The Heights Libraries are moving forward with plans to upgrade and remodel parts of the Coventry Village branch building.

During a recent Board of Trustees meeting, a resolution advertising for Requests for Qualifications for design-build services was approved. Planned upgrades include a more efficient and effective HVAC system and elevator, ADA-compliant restrooms on the first floor, and public meeting rooms in the basement. The total investment will be approximately $1.2 million, the library system said in a statement.

Submissions for the project are due by June 25.

“Coventry is our oldest building, dating from 1926, and it has undergone many renovations and improvements over the years as we adapted to the changing needs of our community,” said Heights Libraries Director Nancy Levin. “And, as with any older building, we need to keep up to date with accessibility and safety.”

In addition to its plans for the Coventry branch, the library system also took steps to improve PEACE Park and make it more accessible to the community.

The Heights Libraries have contracted with landscape architects Andrew Sargeant and Jim McKnight, at $9,000 each, to prepare sketches and develop an overall plan for the property, including cost estimates.

The architects will coordinate and gather input about the park via public meetings. Possible design improvements could include an accessible playground, a walking storybook loop, an amphitheater, and outdoor seating areas. Fundraising will be needed before the project begins and will be handled by the Fund for the Future of Heights Libraries.

The Heights Libraries are also exploring an improvement and expansion of the Noble branch.

“We are committed to ensuring that each branch building can serve its surrounding neighborhoods and help them thrive,” Levin said.