Sterling Bay released renderings of a new Chicago Public Library branch in the West Loop. The branch, which will be the library system's 81st when completed, was made possible by Sterling Bay's donation of the site.

The site is at 118-122 North Aberdeen, next to McDonald's new West Loop headquarters. As the West Loop and Fulton Market morph into a 24/7 live-work-play neighborhood, residents have called on the city to build a library for the West Loop, and at one point suggested Sterling Bay's Coyne College redevelopment could be home to a library. Sterling Bay is building three new office towers on that site.

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill is designing the new 17K SF library. Sterling Bay is promising modern amenities, including designated reading areas, a digital lab featuring coding and design software, community meeting spaces and a recording studio.

The library's construction is being funded with a mix of private donations and funds from the city's Neighborhood Opportunity Bonus program. Construction is expected to be completed in early 2019.