Hardwick worked on the library building's design over a span of five years, and his comprehensive plan specified all interior furnishings, graphics and the use of innovative, free-standing book shelves.

The city requested bids on the property from developers while the new Main Library was still under construction and selected The Atkins Group as the winner in July, 2005.

City officials then approached runner-up Peterbrooke Chocolatier, a local candy company that wanted to turn the building into a chocolate factory.

Main Branch's Bill Cesery led the negotiations with Latitude Global, a privately held restaurant and entertainment company, to purchase the building for their corporate headquarters.

After Latitude's letter of intent expired, the Jessie Ball duPont Fund began discussing their idea for the building.

[12] Sherry Magill, president of the JBDF stated that the building will become a "philanthropic and nonprofit center that will be home to a variety of organizations, including the Jessie Ball duPont Fund.

[11] Similar non-profit facilities have been established in Dallas, Texas (Center for Nonprofit Management) and Wilmington, Delaware (Community Service Building).

[10][13] The fund formed JBDF LLC to own and operate the facility, which will offer stable monthly lease amounts well below commercial rates, and savings through bulk purchasing at the center.

[12] The Fund's present offices in the Wells Fargo Center occupy 6,500 ft2,[14] a small portion of the former library's three floors with 80,000 ft2 of rentable space, not including a 33,000 ft2 basement which can be used in case of a disaster.

To reduce operating expenses and demonstrate the energy saving benefits of green building, the JBDF planned to include conservation features to achieve LEED certification.