Miami-Dade County unveiled renderings of the new $1.1 million sleek two-story library in Key Biscayne at the Village Council meeting this week.
The design, shown to Council by the County’s Library Chief Ray Baker differs from the artsy concept on the Village’s website that had what looked like wooden bellows wrapping around the structure.
The new building is more traditional in concept, with large windows along the front. Baker said construction drawings are 75% complete and reflect a tweak – recommended by Key Biscayne – that has steps leading up to the front door on the west side.
The project has been championed by Miami-Dade Commissioner Raquel Regalado, whose districts include Key Biscayne. Regalado helped shepherd an agreement with the Key Colony Homeowners’ Association after the condo group had filed a court motion to intervene over aesthetic and traffic concerns under terms of an old deed. On the Village side, Council Member Katie Petros played a key role.
Most of the opposition came for leaders of the EmeraldBay condominium association, but in the past, other Village leaders had considered asking the County to site the library at another spot or at least explore having the Library systems dedicated tax revenue be used to fund a Village-run library.
More recently, State Rep. Vicki Lopez helped to obtain $500,000 from the state Legislature last year for the Key Biscayne branch as part of a countywide allocation.
The new 20,000-square-foot library will be built on the site of the old one at 299 Crandon Blvd. and will include:
- A sensor-friendly area for children with special needs
- Tutoring and learning center for all ages
- A storytelling stage in the children’s section
- Public computers with printing access
- Rooms for studies and activities or events.
Then, of course, there are the books and other library materials.
The building will sport some modern amenities with rooftop solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, as well as an improved pond area.
“We do want the pond to be a true feature. I think right now it’s clearly lagging behind a little bit,” Baker said.
Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2025 with the library opening in mid-2026.
JOHN PACENTI is the executive editor of the Key Biscayne Independent. John has worked for The Associated Press, the Palm Beach Post, Daily Business Review, and WPTV-TV.