Public Library to Spur Mixed-Use Development?

Portland, Oregon has a successful example of a "mixed-use library space." There are 13,000sf of library space coupled with 815sf of retail space on the ground floor.

In a comment that's received little in the way of publicity, City Councilor Frank Baker has called for a hearing to discuss the possibility of locating public libraries within privately owned mixed use or commercial buildings across the city. Neighborhoods like Savin Hill and Chinatown are not currently serviced by a Boston Public Library Branch and a mixed use development in the neighborhood could house just such a branch.  

Personally, I think the plan would serve multiple purposes and provide a far greater benefit to the neighborhood than if officials decided to use a vacant lot solely for a new library branch.  The following are just some thoughts on how this model could benefit neighborhoods.

1. It could provide a good credit "retail" tenant to occupy space in a new mixed use development project in a neighborhood that may have difficulty attracting a solid anchor tenant.
2. Having this solid anchor tenant will give the bank confidence it needs to supply loans to start construction on new, neighborhood changing, mixed use development projects.
3. It could also provide civic and public space to neighborhoods seriously lacking such a space for residents to work, meet, learn and innovate.  
4. Having the library as a destination for neighborhood residents can help draw in other retail tenants and be used to improve large sections of the surrounding neighborhood through increased activation.  

Looking forward to following the discussions on this as we look at more innovative ways that the city can spur development of new housing units.