Union Township

From Old Steakhouse to New Union Township Library

After years of scouting locations to secure property for a new Union Township Branch, the Library Board has entered into a contract to purchase property located at 4450 Ryan’s Way, formerly Ryan’s Steakhouse, near the intersection of Route 32 and Glen Este-Withamsville Road.

The Board authorized $875,000 to purchase the property. “We are currently looking at funding for a $4.5 million dollar project. Different terms and types of funding are being evaluated for maximum benefit to the library,” stated Maura Gray, Library Fiscal Officer. Financial breakdown as follows:

$875,000 to purchase the Ryan’s Way property;

$935,000 to renovate the current 11,000 square foot facility;

$1.9 million for the 10,000 square foot addition;

approximately $500,000 for furniture, fixtures, and miscellaneous expenses.

“We believe this site affords the Library the opportunity to expand the current branch’s square footage from 11,000 square feet to a little over 20,000 square feet,” commented Library Executive Director, Dave Mezack. “Over time, we will be able to expand the Union Township Branch’s collection, increase the number of public computers, and better serve the residents of Union Township.”Read the full press release.

What’s the difference between the two locations?

The new site is more easily accessible,

very visible to the community,

will have 85 parking spots versus the current 36,

and will be approximately 10,000 square feet larger allowing the library to increase its collections, technologies, and meeting room size.