Kirn Memorial Library to be demolished

Published : Monday, 06 Jul 2009,

By: Derrick Rose

NORFOLK, Va. – The Tide is rapidly approaching downtown Norfolk.The first indication that construction will begin soon in the downtown area will become clear on Monday, July 6 at 11:00 a.m. when construction crews begin the process of demolishing the Kirn Memorial Library.

The 47 year-old library is being raised to clear the way for the construction of a light rail passenger station.

Of the 11 passenger stations planned for the 7.4 mile light rail system, the station at the corner of City Hall Avenue and Bank Street will be the largest. Passengers are expected to begin riding the $288 million Tide in 2010.

The historic Seaboard Building is now serving as the city’s main library. During the next four years, a $50 million addition will be constructed adjacent to the building. The city plans to build a three-story facility next to the Seaboard Building, which once served as Norfolk’s City Hall.

The demolition of the Kirn Memorial Library will begin in a courtyard area in the rear of the building at the intersection of Plume Street and Atlantic Street.