The Athens City Council got its first look at plans for the new library Monday night.

Librarian Susan Todd showed drawings by CMH Architects, Inc., which have already been approved by the Athens-Limestone Library Board of Trustees.

The library, which is being created from the converted Kroger supermarket building on South Jefferson, will cost an estimated $5.9 million. That cost, minus local in-kind services such as site work, landscaping, and finishing work inside by Athens and Limestone County employees, should bring the price tag down to $4.3 million.

The library will be completed in three phases as funds become available. Phase I is developing bids and installation for heating and air-conditioning, plumbing and fiber-optic cable installation for computers.

Phase II will entail interior construction and Phase III will include finishing and furnishings.

Council President Ronnie Marks said the Library Foundation should have at least half of the amount — or $2.5 million — raised or pledged before construction begins.

“This is a beautiful building,” said Marks of the drawings. “I believe it will be a great thing for our community and I hope to see it completed in the next few years.”

Todd said the plan contains the latest measures in energy efficiency.

“We are going for LEED certification,” said Todd.

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council and provides a set of standards for environmentally sound construction.

“The features minimize operating costs and will be a more environmentally responsible design,” said Todd.

Todd said the library board and foundation wanted a building that “fit the spirit” of other Athens landmarks.

“We wanted something classic that didn’t go out of date,” she said.

Among the “green” features of the building is a cistern to collect rainwater for landscaping irrigation and climate controls for each section so when not in use a section would not require the amount of heating and cooling as other occupied sections.

Todd said the library had received a $16,000 grant for two self-checking machines. The plans also call for a café, study area, family computer room and conference center with its own entrance.