A total of 24 architecture firms have submitted proposals to provide design services for the latest round of The Seattle Public Library’s neighborhood branch library improvement projects. Submittals were due at 2 p.m. Friday, June 4. (See 5th Round Branch Architect Proposals Received.)
The projects are being funded through a combination of privately raised funds and the $196.4 million “Libraries for All” bond measure that voters passed in 1998.
The architect/engineering teams have applied to design the renovations and expansions of the existing Broadview and Magnolia branches and interior renovations of the Queen Anne and University branches. The Queen Anne and University branch projects may be awarded to a single firm.
The existing Broadview Branch, 12755 Greenwood Ave. N., which was built in 1976, will expand from 8,405 square feet to 15,000 square feet. The $3,650,394 expansion project will include more seating, new computers and electrical service, improved lighting, more energy efficient windows, new shelves, a more efficient interior layout, and better signage. The expansion is expected to be complete in 2006. Fourteen architecture firms applied for the project.
The existing Magnolia Branch, 2801 34th Ave. W., will be renovated and possibly expanded. The $875,727 renovation work includes upgrading technology services, equipment and ventilation, improving electrical, communication and computer connections, adding energy-efficient windows and new carpeting, and improving the interior layout. In addition, the architect chosen for the project also will first need to assess the feasibility of expanding the 5,904-square-foot building by 1,800 square feet. The $1,624,365 expansion work would be funded through the Opportunity Fund, a special fund created as part of the bond measure to be used for new or unanticipated neighborhood library capital needs for underserved areas of Seattle. The project is expected to be complete in 2006. Eighteen firms applied for the project.
The Queen Anne Branch, 400 W. Garfield St., and the University Branch, 5009 Roosevelt Way N.E., are both historic branches funded by wealthy philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.
The $550,622 interior improvements to the Queen Anne Branch, which opened in 1914, will include new seating, improved ventilation, upgraded technology services and equipment, more electrical, communications and computer connections, more efficient interior layout and better acoustics. An additional $101,523 in Opportunity Fund money will be used to relocate staff and public spaces. The renovation is expected to be complete in 2006. Eleven architecture firms applied for the project.
Interior improvements at the University Branch, which opened in 1910, will include new seating and shelving, a more efficient interior layout, new computer work stations and study areas, more electrical, communications and computer connections, elevator access to the meeting room, upgraded technology services and equipment, improved ventilation and the addition of energy-efficient windows. The budget is $791,950, although an additional $211,938 has been set aside to pay for technology, exterior and interior capital improvements, and landscaping work. The project is expected to be complete in 2005. Twelve architecture firms applied for the project.
The Queen Anne, University, and Magnolia branches are landmark buildings, therefore the city’s Landmarks Preservation Board will review proposed changes. The Broadview Branch project will be subject to Seattle Design Commission review.
Capital Program Director Alexandra Harris said that Library staff members hope to complete preliminary screening of the applications by late June. Representatives from each community will join with a representative from the Seattle Design Commission, a Library Board member and Library staff to review architect applications, develop a list of finalists and conduct interviews. The Library Board will make the final architect selection for each project.
To date, the Library has completed the new Central Library and the Capitol Hill, Delridge, Green Lake, NewHolly, Rainier Beach, Wallingford and West Seattle branches. Upcoming branch openings include: the new High Point Branch on Saturday, June 19; the expanded North East Branch on Saturday, June 26; and the new Beacon Hill Branch on Saturday, July 10.
The Ballard, Columbia, Fremont, Greenwood, Lake City and Southwest branches are currently in the construction phase and the Library is close to calling for construction bids for the Northgate and Montlake branch projects. Planning and design is under way for other branches.
The Seattle Public Library Foundation is in the final phase of a “Campaign for Seattle’s Public Libraries” with the goal of raising $82 million from private sources to enhance the public bond commitment. Every dollar raised will ensure a level of excellence in the library’s facilities, collections, and programs that would not be possible through its tax-based support alone.
(For more information, call Caroline Young Ullmann, communications assistant, 206-615-1627.)
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Content modified: 24 September 2004
09/23/2004
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