Tom Green County Public Library has undertaken a major capital effort. We are calling it the Beacon to the Future Library Campaign. The goal is to move the library from its current cramped quarters and adaptively reuse the old downtown Hemphill Wells building that has been vacant for more than two decades. This undertaking will more than triple the size of the existing library. The new building has approximately 85,000 square feet of space versus the 25,000 square feet of space that the library currently has available.

The design team we have engaged is being lead by the internationally recognized architect, Malcolm Holzman, of Holzman Moss Associates, who has numerous library commissions to his credit. He is partnering with Craig Kinney & Associates of San Angelo and a team of more than 40 local citizens. In addition to expanding areas for virtually all of the current library functions, we will be able to provide a new area for teens and young adults. We will also be able to provide space for such venues as a gift shop/book store, coffee shop, and provide more community meeting rooms for various groups and organizations. We are planning to include a unique gallery to be operated in partnership with the art museum.

In an historic joint meeting of San Angelo City Council and the Tom Green County Commissioners Court held at the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts on September 28, 2005, both bodies voted to enter into “an agreement of understanding” to adapt the former Hemphill Wells Department Store building for use as the Tom Green County Library.

The Hemphill Wells building has been owned by the City of San Angelo since 1996. The building was originally constructed in 1972 and was operated as a department store until 1986. City Manager, Harold Dominguez stated that, “the city originally acquired this building because it was seen as a solution to the growing needs of the city for office space. Since the building was acquired, the city has had to re-examine its priorities. As we examined our space needs and financial resources, city staff concluded that the community would be better served if we restored the existing City Hall. The relationship we are entering into with the county will protect the city’s investment in the Hemphill Wells property and provide a great benefit to the community. We are fortunate that this is happening and is an outgrowth of the original vision of former Mayor Fender and City Council which saved this important and handsome public edifice for community use.”

County Judge, Mike Brown commented that, “I see this as a win, win situation for city and county government with essentially no risk. Local tax payers will not have to provide the funding. Private citizens are deeply committed to making this project a success.”

Steve and Pollyanna Stephens have agreed to chair and provide leadership to the campaign. They have made a personal commitment of $2,000,000.00 in the form of a leadership gift. The County contracted the services of architectural firms Holzman Moss of New York City and Craig Kinney Architects of San Angelo.

County Library Board Chairman, Syl Polunsky stated that, “with the wonderful commitment of Steve and Pollyanna Stephens I have great confidence that we will reach our goal.”

Librarian, Larry Justiss commented that, “this is a dream come true for our board and staff. This project will position our library as one of the finest in the state. We will work with consultants to develop a long-range strategic plan and undertake a thoughtful and creative design process. There will be very careful management of the resources that will be used for this undertaking.”

The Hemphill Wells building was constructed in 1972 and is a relatively contemporary and a substantially built structure. It has massive footings, steel girder framework and brick walls. The floors are poured concrete slab. The building has high ceilings (approximately 18 feet) and there is an adjacent 200 capacity parking garage. A previous problem with asbestos has been abated.

The consulting architects have observed that the building is essentially a highly adaptable blank canvas with tremendous flexibility for use.  Even the roof offers unique vistas of the city’s downtown and could be adapted for at least partial public use.