Library District breaks ground on $8.9M Republic construction project

A multimillion-dollar construction project is getting underway after the Springfield-Greene County Library District held a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday.

The Library District is developing a new Republic Branch Library on the same lot of as the current facility at 921 N. Lindsey Ave., according to a news release. The Library District Board of Trustees on Dec. 17 approved the overall construction cost for the project at $8.9 million.

Officials participated in an indoor groundbreaking event yesterday at the current library. The existing facility will remain open during construction, which is starting immediately and is expected to be completed in spring 2026.

"The new facility will more than double in size and will feature a much larger children’s area with a dedicated story time space, a teen area, a large 150-seat auditorium, a business center, meeting rooms, a maker space, an outdoor patio and a nature walking trail," officials said in the release.

Nabholz Construction Corp. is serving as general contractor for the project designed by Paragon Architecture LLC. Past Springfield Business Journal reporting indicates the new facility will span 22,000 square feet.

Library District officials say $10.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds secured in 2022 is helping to finance the Republic construction project.