Library officials had originally wanted to break ground on a new 42,642-square-foot modern library in June, but that desire was held up due to calls to memorialize the 1913 portion of the building by preservationists. Even the final few steps to obtain proper permits took longer than anticipated, according to Paul Stone, the COO for Karp Associates, the project’s construction and contracting company. The $38.5 million project touts a children’s library three times the size of the present one with a dedicated tween section; many experiential co-working meeting areas; and a large living room with a fireplace designed similar to one built by Harvard Five architect Eliot Noyes. The project was delayed as the Planning and Zoning Commission met eight times to address concerns from preservationists who wanted to keep the 1913 library. Now, the library is working to meet a December deadline imposed by the commission to design a memorial of the antique portion of the building.
https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/article/Excitment-spreads-as-New-Canaan-Library-breaks-16607557.php