I was very disappointed to read the new plans for Riverwest (“Vancouver Public Schools elementary school could be library’s new neighbor,” Jan. 17). I was part of the team responsible for the design and construction of the new library and remember how proud we were to deliver to the community the first of three commitments made by the library district, the city (underground parking) and Killian (boutique hotel, offices, condos, retail and restaurants).
I also remember the obstacles the district faced in adding infrastructure that would withstand the future construction of a subterranean parking garage and an elevator going nowhere without said parking, adding a fifth floor so we would not be dwarfed by the hotel and office building, and being unable to design a drive-through book drop that would not adversely affect the plaza that was to join all the buildings.
I also recall the city’s mandate that the building “respect and reflect” The Academy — have you seen the glass and steel structure planned for the site? I doubt the proposed elementary school and bus garage will bring the economy, tax base and excitement to downtown as the pedestrian traffic, retail, businesses and tourism originally planned by the partners of Riverwest (aka Library Square).
