An architect selection advisory panel has recommended that Cardwell/Thomas & Associates, Koppe Wagoner Architects, Schacht/Aslani Architects and Snyder Hartung Kane Strauss Architects remain in consideration for the job of designing the expanded Douglass-Truth Library.
Panel members evaluated the qualifications of eight firms before selecting the Seattle-based finalists to interview and introduce to the public. A total of 11 firms applied to design the expansion.
A public reception for the architect finalists is set for 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday, May 14, at the Douglass-Truth Library, 2300 E. Yesler Way. The architects will display examples of their work and be available to answer questions.
The advisory panel will interview each firm. The Seattle Public Library board of trustees is scheduled to hear comments from the advisory panel and select an architect for the Douglass-Truth project at its meeting at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 22 at the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library, 2021 Ninth Ave., meeting room.
Each of the four firms has substantial experience with historic buildings and with libraries.
Founded in 1976, Cardwell/Thomas & Associates has worked on three academic libraries and 16 public libraries in Washington, California and Oregon. In the late 1980s, the firm was selected for the restorations of the Columbia, Green Lake and Queen Anne libraries. It also surveyed deficiencies in Seattle Public Library’s seven Carnegie-era branches, including the Douglass-Truth Library.
Koppe Wagoner Architects was founded in 2000, though its principals have a combined 45 years of experience. Its principals have been involved in 12 library design projects throughout Washington state, including the 1988 renovations of the Douglass-Truth and Fremont historic libraries.
Schacht/Aslani Architects was founded in 1996. Its principals have worked on the Corvallis Benton County Public Library in Oregon, the renovation of the Suzzallo Library at the University of Washington, a library, classroom and sanctuary building at Temple B’nai Torah in Bellevue, a library, classroom and fine arts building at Whatcom Community College in Bellingham and the Squaxin Island Tribe Museum and Library near Shelton.
Snyder Hartung Kane Strauss Architects was founded in 1997. Its principals have worked on the Burien Library, the Everett Public Library, the Green Lake Library and the Suzzallo Library at the University of Washington. The firm also is designing the renovations of the Green Lake and West Seattle branch libraries.
Community representatives who served on the advisory panel include:
The 8,008-square-foot Douglass-Truth Library opened in 1914 as the Yesler Library, named in honor of Seattle pioneer Henry Yesler. The library was later renamed to honor Frederick Douglass and Sojourner Truth. It houses the African-American Collection, a special collection containing more than 9,000 books dealing with the African American experience.
The improvements will include 6,992 square feet in additional space, an updated and expanded collection of 66,700 books and materials, more space and better storage for the growing African-American Collection, a new children’s area, more seating, computers and parking, larger and more efficient staff work areas, upgraded electrical, mechanical and ventilation systems, and energy efficient windows.
The $3.5 million expansion is scheduled to be completed in 2003.
The expansion is part of the $196.4 million “Libraries for All” bond measure that Seattle voters passed in 1998 to upgrade the Seattle Public Library. The plan calls for improving or replacing all 22 branch libraries, building five new branches and building a new central library. For more information about Libraries for All, visit the Library’s Web site at www.spl.org and select “Libraries for All capital projects.”
(For more information, call Caroline Young Ullmann, communications assistant, at 206-615-1627.)
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Content modified: 9 May 2001
12/30/2005
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