Gilroy Library Gains Approval of the Community with help from Hydro-Flo Pavers

 


Photo by Lora Schraft/Gilroy Dispatch.

For some time, Gilroy realized a new library was needed in order to meet the growing needs of the community. The city was backed in 2008 by the overwhelming support of voters who passed the bond measure with a 70% margin, despite a lack of state funding. The city took the lead with a focus on stewardship as they began construction of the facility.  The city acted as excellent caretakers of the public money as the job finished $3 million under the anticipated budget. Additionally, the city had resolved that all their new construction would try to meet environmental standards established by LEED. Those careful efforts of the city have been clearly seen throughout the entire process, including their selection of Hydro-Flo Permeable Pavers from Pacific Interlock Pavingstone.

Photo by Lora Schraft/Gilroy Dispatch.

The Library should serve as a source of pride for Gilroy as it truly makes the community a better place. The library houses over 150,000 pieces of literature, poetry, music and movies, with plenty of space to study in comfort. However, it is not only its functionality that makes it such a wonderful place. It is also a very beautiful space. Hidden among the architecture and landscaping is the commitment to the environment. The project is slated to reach Gold in the LEED Rating system (after a 1 year evaluation period). This rating depends on many different environmentally conscious avenues, from lighting to power generation to water conservation. With most of the exterior elements designed by Karen Aitken (http://aitkenlandscapes.com/), the library creates both as architectural beauty while being a space that is beneficial to the environment. Take note of the Hydro-Flo paving stones. While they provide a beautiful outdoor space, they subtly serve a very important function. The 25,000+ square feet of pavers are truly surface permeable. That means, whenever it rains, or the landscape irrigation overshoots, the water will not run off into a storm sewer system, but will rather stay on site after travelling through the Hydro-Flo Pavers. This will also help to maintain public safety by reducing the amount of slippery surfaces. The Hydro-Flo Technology can help projects qualify for up to 5 LEED credits, including water conservation, stormwater management, and heat island reduction (SRI).


Hydro-Flo Pavers create a beautiful patio that helps the environment in a variety of ways.

This weekend marked the first time the Gilroy library was open to the public. There was standing room only at the opening ceremonies as more than 500 people occupied all available outdoor seating while a variety of local leaders spoke about the brand new building. Over 6000 people travelled through the doors of the facility on Saturday. The community quickly established the space as their own as kids flopped on the new furniture, eagerly listening to stories read by their families. Adults and children both marvelled at the brand new space that they helped bring about, and with good reason. Pacific Interlock Pavingstone is proud to have our Hydro-Flo pavers installed in such a beautiful and important public venue.