Terrence Wall's proposal for a new library and commercial tower Downtown got a warm but cautious reception from the Madison Library Board on Tuesday.

T. Wall Properties is proposing to demolish the dated, 43-year-old facility on the 200 block of West Mifflin street and replace it with a $45 million, nine-story, glass and stone structure with ground-floor retail, a three-story library, and private offices above it.

"I'm still very intrigued," board President Tripp Widder said after a 75-minute meeting. "The two big issues: timing and financing."

Another basic question is whether the city should abandon its long-held vision of a stand-alone central library in favor of a mixed-use structure.

"It's a whole new direction," said board member and Ald. Larry Palm, 15th District.

Library Director Barb Dimick said the presentation convinced her the city should move forward.

"There's a 43-year-old building falling apart around me," she said. "I think it's an opportunity we need to pursue."

The board could decide as soon as Thursday to take a huge next step and agree to put out a request for proposals (RFP) for the project, which is needed because the redevelopment involves city-owned property.

The city would then select Wall or another developer, or no one.

"I'm energized," Wall said. "I feel 100 percent better having gone through this meeting today."

Complement Overture

The board, hearing a full presentation for the first time, had questions on everything from the design to cost.

The design and materials are intended to complement the $205 million Overture Center across the street, Wall and representatives from Plunkett/Raysich Architects said.

The preliminary concept features a towering, oval, glass main entrance that could be used for educational exhibits, and a dramatic "hole" in the side of the structure that would serve as a green outdoor patio and signature architectural statement.

After entering the lobby, visitors would take escalators to a 115,000-square-foot library on the second, third and fourth floors that would be built as a city-owned condominium space.

Ground floor retail could include a coffee shop and white tablecloth restaurant.

The city would have options for future expansion into the upper floors, which would have 120,000 square feet of office space.

Although most seemed to like the concept design, board member David Wallner said the building doesn't have to complement Overture Center.

"I want it to be bold and interesting," he said.

Money shortage

City officials have long wanted to replace the aging, undersized library, but have been unable to fund a project.

The two-story, 90,000-square-foot library needs space, the roof leaks, elevators need replacement, and power, heating and cooling systems are inadequate, officials have said.

About eight years ago, the board endorsed a $28 million expansion to refurbish two floors and add a third floor. But the city didn't have money for the project.

The board scaled back plans, dropping the extra floor but still delivering 30,000-square-feet of new space. The latest cost estimates are $23.7 million.

But Mayor Dave Cieslewicz has only been willing to spend half that, and the private sector hasn't stepped forward to close the gap for a renovation project.

The library part of the Wall's project would cost between $24.6 million and $27.6 million, he said.

But the facility would be more affordable because the city could raise up to $5 million from the sale of the land, he said. A dynamic new building also gives the city a better chance to raise up to $4.5 million from a lead donor, another $1 million or so of in-kind contributions, and $2 million to $2.8 million from others contributors, he said.

'Rare opportunity'

Board members, however, want a clearer picture on finances, including costs for demolition and temporary relocation of the library during construction.

Wall, saying he has an anchor tenant for the two floors of office space, is also pursing for a fast-paced time line, starting with a decision as soon as possible on whether the board supports an RFP. Construction could start as soon as 2010, he said.

"This is a rare opportunity," Wall said.