What's in the Works

What's in the Works



Cleveland Public Library is transforming Fleet Branch into a vibrant, fully renovated community library. Fleet Campus will be a library of the future that respects the history of the building and the neighborhood.



FACILITIES MASTER PLAN - FUTURE VISION



It is recommended that this branch be renovated with a new expansion to the south and east. The branch is well located to serve as a new Community Hub but would need to increase in size to provide that level of service. An expansion would allow for a larger meeting space, more contiguous collection space and better visibility from both Fleet and Broadway. The cost of building a new branch on the same site should be reviewed as an alternative to a substantial renovation and addition.



DIGITAL INNOVATION CENTER



With generous support from the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation, the Fleet Campus transformation will create a dynamic community hub featuring a state-of-the-art computer lab, expanded meeting spaces and an interactive children’s area. The Foundation’s $3 million grant supports the system’s commitment to education, workforce development and community engagement.







What's There Now



Fleet’s history is long and storied. Originally the Fullerton School Branch, the building became the Fleet House Community Station in 1928. Materials moved to a leased location at 6522 Fleet Avenue in 1930 and was designated as a branch in 1931. In 1941, the branch was relocated further down Fleet Avenue and in 1981, a new branch was built at 7224 Broadway. The stainless steel terne-coated roof over its 8,900 square feet reflects Cleveland’s industrial heritage. The shiny metal was intended to mellow to a subtle pewter tone over time. The interior used russet color brick, oak wood and clerestory windows to combine warm tones with natural light. In November 2012, Cleveland Public Library’s the Fleet and Broadway branches merged, connecting two service areas to provide services and programming out of Fleet.

FACILITIES MASTER PLAN - CURRENT STATE



The Fleet branch is well located on a relatively large site in an active area. The branch is well attended for its size and it serves a large geographic area. The building’s opaque, introverted design is typical of the branches built in the era and creates distinct spaces with limited connectivity. The lack of transparency is compounded by the building’s location set into the middle of the site. The result is a lack of street presence and the library is easily missed if one does not know it’s there.