City Librarian Paula Kiely was joined by Mayor Tom Barrett, Ald. Chantia Lewis and Milwaukee Public Library Board of Trustees President Michele Bria Tuesday morning to break ground on the newest library project, the construction of a new Good Hope Library branch, 7717 W. Good Hope Rd.

As has been the case with all MPL library replacement projects in recent years, the Good Hope branch is part of a mixed-use development. This one (like the new East Library and the renovations at Tippecanoe), designed by Engberg Anderson Architects, includes 65 units of affordable housing.

There will be a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units.

The library – developed in partnership with Maures Development and Royal Capital Group – is a replacement for the Mill Road branch, 6431 N. 76th St.. which opened in 1970. Zimmerman Architects is the library architect on the project.

The library is expected to be complete by December 2019.

The next branch replacement project on the boards is at King Library at King Drive and Locust Street. That plan is still in the works and no completion date has yet been announced.