Several improvement projects are underway in downtown Maryville this spring, including new construction, demolition and historic preservation work.
Construction on a pedestrian alleyway near U.S. Bank on Main Street began earlier this winter. Meanwhile, the city started demolition work last week on the future site of an outdoor pavilion project, which officials expect to complete in June.
The next project set to begin involves restoring the historic front windows of the Maryville Public Library. Final designs have been approved by the State Historic Preservation Office, and a contractor is expected to start initial work this week or next. Library officials aim to complete the project by the end of May.
The restoration will require a partial closure of the library’s front rooms and entrance while crews carefully repair and replicate historic features.
Library Director Stephanie Patterson said the project will focus on restoring the windows while preserving the building’s original character.
“We’re going to have those windows restored and parts of them replicated down to every detail,” Patterson said. “So we’re really excited about that and we’re really thankful for everybody that donated at that.”
The building has served several roles in Maryville’s history, including as the city’s post office and as a designated nuclear fallout shelter during the Cold War.The library raised more than $300,000 for the project, which Patterson said is the largest capital campaign she has led as director.
Library staff hope to keep the building open during most of the construction. However, Patterson said patrons should check the library’s website and social media for updates on access and programming.
“We will continue to try to keep our north doors open during the construction in the coming months,” she said. “There might be a week or two we might have to close, and we’re going to take some of our programming off-site to maybe some sites in downtown Maryville.”
Despite the construction, popular programs and annual events will continue, including the children’s business fair scheduled for March 21.