Local officials held a wall breaking ceremony today to mark the start of the next two phases of the Rochester Public Library's Master Space Plan.
This phase includes moving the Arts, Music and Recreation Division to its new home on the first floor of the Rundel Library.
"We're expanding the size of this and creating space for more interactive programming and services," said Patricia Uttaro, director of the Rochester Public Library.
Executive Director of the Friends & Foundation of the Rochester Public Library, Ned Davis, says the project is part of a Master Space Plan to restore and rejuvenate the building.
"Especially restore some of the beauty and wonder to Hacker Hall, and add in back a fine arts component that was an original part of the building when it was built 80 years ago," he said.
The Central Library's Teen Center will also be relocated to the Bausch and Lomb Building across the street.
The total cost estimate for the project is $3.4 million dollars.
Davis says the Friends & Foundation has raised nearly $1 million dollars toward a goal of $1.4 million.
Other funding from the project includes $100 thousand dollars from the State, along with financial support from the City and Monroe County.
It's expected to be completed by January, 2017.
Here's the ceremonial wall breaking to mark the start of the next phase of this renovation project: