Our planned new library will be located at ...

After more than a year of searching for the right site to build a new library to replace the Belt Branch, Rolling Hills Library has a contract under review and work has started on building plans. If all goes well, the new branch could be open by early 2026.

The site is in the new development where the University of Missouri-Kansas City also plans to build a School of Medicine facility at the east end of Faraon Street, across from Mosaic Life Care. 

Library Director Michelle Mears said the library was seeking a piece of ground that was accessible, affordable and relatively flat to minimize site preparation costs. The location also had to be in the library’s taxing district.

“It took us quite a while to find this piece of land,” she said. “It drew our attention because of other development in that area.”

The four-acre lot will be at the end of a new road to be built south of Faraon into the development. The building will be located near the east side of the lot so it will be visible from Riverside Road.

The project calls for a 36,000-square-foot building that houses the library, Bookmobile office and garage, Administration Office and the Friends of the Library’s used bookstore, Books Revisited. The estimated building project cost is $16 million.

“We have over half of that amount in reserves and will issue certificates of participation to fund the remaining amount,” Mears said.

Sapp Design Architects of Kansas City is the project architect and was chosen for its experience with libraries. The firm has designed more than 25 new libraries and library renovations in Missouri and Kansas, with the majority of those in the Kansas City area.

J.E. Dunn Construction of Kansas City is the construction-manager-at-risk. It will work with Sapp through the design process to create the best plans and build the library at a guaranteed maximum price. The contract with Dunn includes a goal for local contractors to be used for at least 40 percent of the project.

After the new library is built, the library-owned Rolling Hills Plaza strip mall where the Belt Branch, Administration Offices and Books Revisited are currently located will be sold. “It should be an attractive investment for someone who wants to own retail space,” Mears said.

More information about the new library project is available at https://rhcl.org/building-project. 

Programs to shine light on Shakespeare Chateau, Missouri Theater

 Two of St. Joseph’s historic jewels will be the subjects of two upcoming programs at the Belt Branch.

 At 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, Isobel McGowan, owner/innkeeper of the Shakespeare Chateau Bed and Breakfast, will share her story of preserving the iconic house. McGowan bought the house in 2012 and restored it to its original glory. Now the non-profit organization Shakespeare Chateau Guild is working to raise $5 million to purchase it and its adjoining property to secure its future.

 At 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, Frank Polleck will speak about the history of the Missouri Theater, where he has worked behind the scenes for more than 40 years. Designed by theater architects Boller Brothers of Kansas City, the building was completed in 1927 and has Art Deco and Moorish details.

 Both programs will be in the library’s Community Room and are open to the public.