FREDERICK, Md. – Frederick County Government and Frederick County Public Libraries are excited to announce the results of a feasibility study of the West Frederick Library. The study, conducted by Dewberry Architects, found the proposed site of the library favorable for construction.
The site was selected by Frederick County Government in partnership with the City of Frederick. Following many years of community engagement and advocacy, the City and County entered into an agreement last summer for the City to donate the land, located at 501 McCain Drive, in the Hillcrest neighborhood of Frederick.
The study’s scope was to determine this location’s suitability for the proposed capital project. Dewberry collected and analyzed data associated with climate, demography, topography, utilities, archeology, parking, and traffic.
“Libraries build bridges in our community, connecting people to ideas and information,” County Executive Jessica Fitzwater said. “I am excited the study found the site to be feasible, and I am pleased that the West Frederick branch remains on schedule, with design in the current fiscal year and construction slated to begin in fiscal year 2026.”
“Community input is a critical part of every library capital project and any design architect we select will lead community input sessions to help inform the project.” Library Director James Kelly said.
While library design will be completed in the next phase of the project, Dewberry also provided a concept analysis that includes several possible site layouts. The study found that the site is favorable for a 15,000-square-foot, one-story library building, a designated parking area, and other outdoor features.
This favorable feasibility study would allow FCPL to move into the design phase of the proposed capital project pending a required vote to rezone the site by the Board of Aldermen.
During the design phase, an architectural firm will work with the library to create schematics, concepts, and a final, detailed plan for the new structure and the surrounding grounds.
The City of Frederick’s Board of Aldermen will hold a workshop on Wednesday, May 15, at 7 p.m. to discuss the feasibility study. The County’s Project Manager, Leadership from FCPL, and representatives from Dewberry Architectural Firm will be on hand to share information about the project and answer questions about the study.
To review the Key Findings document for the feasibility study, visit FCPL’s Facility Master Plan webpage at: www.fcpl.org/about-us/faciliti
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Frederick County Contact: Vivian Laxton, Director
Office of Communications & Public Engagement
301-600-1315
Frederick County Public Libraries Contact: Kelly Cambrel, Communications Team Manager
Frederick County Public Libraries
301-600-1629