University's Library Expansion Approved In West Hartford

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Local land-use officials this week said 'yes' to a university's plan to expand its library at its West Hartford campus.

The West Hartford Plan and Zoning Commission voted 5-0 Monday, Dec. 1, in favor of a special use permit that allows the University of Saint Joseph to expand its Pope Pius XII Library, which is located off 1678 Asylum Ave.

That approval came with the standard conditions that come with such votes, including the project's compatibility with the area, the project won't impact adjacent properties, and safety requirements as they pertain to parking.

USJ's library addition will be about 5,800 square feet and impact the first floor and mezzanine levels of the library.

According to the project narrative submitted to the town in October by Freeman Companies, the architectural firm hired by USJ, there are multiple components to the project. They include:

• Creation of a new 1,027-square-foot lobby that will also house a new USJ "Welcome Center."

"The building will continue to serve as the university's library, but also house a new 'Welcome Center,' serving as a visitors' information resource area and admissions hub," wrote Freeman in the narrative.

• The addition will also include a new "learning commons," which is a place for students to have both collaborative and quiet study spaces, an additional classroom, and a small café.

• The parking lot nearby will be reconfigured with many spaces moved farther away, but additional spaces created for handicap access.

• A new "entry plaza" will feature an accessible ramp and grand stairway.

For the minutes of the Dec. 1 West Hartford Plan and Zoning Commission, click on this link.

For the project narrative submitted to the town, click on this link.

For all other documents on the USJ library expansion, click on this link.