Brownsville Library Project Under Budget and on Track for Early 2025 Opening

Escambia County is continuing to move forward with renovating the former Masonic Lodge into Brownsville's first library, which remains under budget despite construction challenges stemming from the building's historic nature.

Escambia County purchased the old Masonic Lodge building to convert into a new 8,000-square-foot library and community space in the heart of Brownsville, which is expected to be completed by December 2024, with a grand opening to the public in early 2025. The first floor will feature a public library and café space, with a large multi-use space offered on the second floor for meetings, children's programs and events.

The Board of County Commissioners initially budgeted approximately $3.1 million for the project, and the BCC awarded a construction contract of approximately $2.1 million to Vision Construction of North Florida, Inc. for Brownsville Library renovations. Due to unforeseen issues related to the building's age, including significant termite damage, an additional $466,990.46 is on the Thursday, Oct. 3 BCC agenda for approval.

If approved, the additional funding, along with two previously approved change orders, would bring the construction total to approximately $2.77 million, which remains under the $3.1 million budgeted for the project.

Escambia County was also awarded $350,000 in RESTORE Act funding for the design of a business incubator, which will be constructed near the new library to provide services and resources to business owners or anyone looking to start a new business. The business incubator will include office space and commercial space, offering networking opportunities, business mentorships, and more.

In addition to offering a wide variety of literature for the community, the new Brownsville Library will also provide high-speed internet access on library computers, along with free high-speed Wi-Fi for those who prefer to bring their own devices.

The Brownsville Library will be located at 3300 W. De Soto St., adjacent to the Brownsville Community Center.

For more information about current West Florida Public Libraries locations in Escambia County, visit MyWFPL.com.

The old Masonic Lodge building, future home of the Brownsville Library.