Thirty local architecture firms have submitted proposals in hopes of being selected to design new library buildings in Montlake and South Park, the expansion of the existing Southwest Library and the renovation of the historic Fremont Library. Submittals were due at 2 p.m. Friday, March 8. (See 30 Branch Architect Proposals Received.)
The building improvements are being funded through the $196.4 million "Libraries for All" bond measure that voters passed in 1998.
The current 1,574-square-foot Montlake Library, a converted retail store, is Seattle Public Library's next-to-smallest neighborhood branch, yet it is heavily used by children, working parents, retirees and University of Washington students. The new 5,000-square-foot library will have an updated and expanded collection of 18,700 books and materials, more seats, a meeting room, upgraded technology services and equipment, and parking. The $2.57 million library will be located at the northwest corner of 24th Avenue East and East McGraw Street. It is scheduled to open in 2004.
South Park's new 5,000-square-foot branch will have a collection of 18,700 books and materials, a special area for children, modern computer work stations and instructional spaces, a meeting room, and parking. The $2.53 million project is being funded out of the Opportunity Fund, a special fund created as part of the "Libraries for All" bond measure to be used for new or unanticipated neighborhood library capital needs for underserved areas of Seattle. The Seattle Public Library board of trustees has narrowed to two the number of potential locations for the new branch: South Cloverdale Street and Eighth Avenue South, southeast corner, (apartment building), with the addition of an adjacent 3,000-square-foot vacant lot; and South Cloverdale Street and Eighth Avenue South, southwest corner, (one business, one residence). A completion date has not yet been set for the new library.
The 6,060-square-foot Fremont Library, 731 N. 35th St., was built in 1921. The Carnegie-funded branch is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been designated as a Seattle landmark. The $554,000 renovation project includes converting 780 square feet of storage to public and staff space, more seats, an expanded book collection, more computer work stations, improved parking, and more efficient lobby, circulation desk and work areas. The renovation is scheduled to be finished in 2004.
Southwest Library, which opened in 1961 at 9010 35th Ave. S.W., is currently 7,557 square feet. The $4.3 million expansion will add 7,443 square feet of space and feature an expanded book collection, new seating and shelves, expanded program, service and work areas, new computer work stations and study areas, a meeting room, upgraded technology services, connections and equipment, better lighting and mechanical systems, improved seismic safety, and improved parking. The expansion is scheduled to be finished in 2004.
Capital Program Director Alexandra Harris said that representatives from each community would join with a representative from the Seattle Design Commission, a Library Board member and Library staff to review architect applications and interview finalists. The Library Board will make the final architect selection for each project.
The "Libraries for All" building plan calls for improving or replacing all 22 branch libraries, building five new branches and building a new central library.
The Seattle Public Library Foundation is in the midst of a "Campaign for Seattle's Public Libraries" with the goal of raising $75 million from private sources to enhance the public bond commitment. Every dollar raised will ensure the library system reflects our community's needs in buildings, books, technology and people, long into the future. For more information about "Libraries for All" or the Foundation, visit the Library's Web site at www.spl.org.
(For more information, call Caroline Young Ullmann, communications assistant, 206-615-1627.)
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Content modified:
12/30/2005
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