Our Mission
We support renovation or renovation and expansion or repurposing and relocating of the Hamline Midway Library.
We believe that the greenest building is the one already built and that preservation is the environmentally responsible decision.
We believe that young people love our library building, and future generations should have the opportunity to enjoy it.
We believe in fiscal responsibility and smart use of resources.
We believe that thoughtful renovation can create a library that is welcoming to all.
We believe that decisions that affect the entire community should be informed by the entire community.
We believe that responsible community outreach requires full transparency, collaboration, and a diversity of viewpoints in all decision making.
We believe that the City of St. Paul must explore relocation of the library if a renovated Hamline Midway Library does not meet the current needs.
We believe that demolitions are bad for everyone and that 21st century library needs can be met without demolishing this library.
Our Library
The original Henry Hale Library, now known as the Hamline Midway Library branch in St. Paul, is a cultural and architectural treasure located at 1558 Minnehaha Avenue. A historically significant building and community hub for nearly a century, our unique library has been cherished by generations of residents in St. Paul and beyond.
Historic Preservation
The greenest buildings we have are the ones that already exist, and iconic places like the Hamline Midway Library possess both the infrastructure to support ongoing community needs and the historic and aesthetic values that enrich our neighborhoods.
As part of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, the City of St. Paul outlines its commitment to Heritage and Cultural Preservation: Existing structures are important components of sustainable economic development, and the cultural landscapes that are integral to the city inherently connect this chapter with each chapter of the Comprehensive Plan. Through this chapter, Saint Paul strives to be a leader in preserving historic and cultural resources; engaging all stakeholders in education and evaluation activities that are inclusive, responsive, practical and respectful; and integrating preservation and related activities into the work of all City departments. This work must be mindful of demographic, climate, investment and technological changes that impact Saint Paul’s built and natural environments.
St. Paul Public Library’s History and Engagement
The St. Paul Public Library (SPPL) is in the process of presenting two options regarding the future of the Hamline-Midway Library: (1) Renovation and expansion; or (2) Demolition and new construction. We believe that SPPL’s goals for an improved library that better meets the community’s needs can—and should—be achieved by either a renovation of the current building or by putting a third option on the table: Relocating the library and repurposing the existing building.
Unfortunately, actions by SPPL executive staff over the past year demonstrate a clear intent of SPPL leadership to bring about demolition of the existing building, a step that we believe is completely inconsistent with the wishes of the surrounding community and the majority of those residents who patronize the Hamline Midway branch. We are committed to making clear why preservation of this building is the superior decision—and we believe the most cost-effective option as well.
Reimagining the Hamline Midway Library
For community members to fully appreciate the potential from a multi-million-dollar investment in our library, it is essential that we fully explore what is possible from renovation of the existing building; renovation and expansion; or planning a new library at another location, leaving the current building available to be repurposed by the City or another entity. All of these options ensure that the historic Hale Library will be saved from demolition—and preserved for future generations to enjoy. Renovate 1558 is committed to working within and outside of SPPL to bring forth the best architectural visions and versions of these possibilities for the entire community to consider. As these ideas emerge, we will share them here on the website.