After a two-month discussion, the city of Senoia finally has an approved design for its new library.

The library will be built in the city’s park on Seavy Street and is part of an ambitious makeover of the city’s largest park. Since the park has railroad tracks running behind it, many of the city’s leaders suggested the library should contain elements of an old-fashioned depot.

But In December, Senoia’s residents made their disdain quite clear of the proposed design for the new library.

Architect Brian Haun presented his initial proposal to the City Council for the new $500,000 library, which was met with almost universal disappointment.

“I don’t think you’ve listened to the residents who said it should look like a train station,” said City Councilman Bill Wood.

As the complaints started piling on, Mayor Robert Belisle asked Haun if he could meet withe the city’s Historic Preservation Committee on Monday to get a better focus of what the residents want the new building to resemble.

But after meeting with the Historic Preservation Commission, Haun came up with slight changes in the design that won a final approval Monday night. The roofline has changed and dormers have been added. He also made the windows taller and is using “9 over 9” windows, which are found in many of the city’s historic homes. The railing going around the building will be wrought iron, and the new front door is more in line with doors at old train stations.

“I really have to compliment you on what a good job you did,” said City Councilman Larry Owens.

In August, Haun showed the City Council the interior of the facility which met with approval from the council. He said the library’s space is divided into areas for technology, books for children, young adults and adults and a multi-purpose room for civic groups to stage meetings.

The multi-purpose room and the restrooms are a separate part of the library that could be accessed after hours for meetings, Haun added.

The back part of the library will also be near a set of train tracks, so when children hear the train coming down the tracks, they could run to the window and see the train pass through the city.

There will also be secluded study areas, and more than 250 sq.ft of storage space, which is far more than the closet the library staffers currently use.

Officials are hopeful that ground will be broken on the facility shortly after the beginning of the year.

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