The Magnolia Branch, 2801 34 th Ave. W., will remain open for the interim because construction bids for its renovation and expansion came in higher than expected.
The branch was tentatively scheduled to close at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24. The closure date was to have been finalized after The Seattle Public Library received and reviewed construction bids.
A bid opening on Feb. 21 drew submittals from one general contractor, which was over the Library’s estimated construction cost of $1.78 million; the sole bid was $2,974,400.
The Library’s capital program office will work with cost estimators to determine which categories of work came in over budget and to understand the causes, and then will work with The Seattle Public Library board of trustees to determine how to proceed.
Snyder Hartung Kane Strauss Architects designed the renovations so patrons and staff could more efficiently use the interior space. The 6,356-square-foot branch will be renovated and expanded by 1,443 square feet to include a meeting room. The renovation work also includes replacing decayed structural wood and aging mechanical system components, upgrading technology services, equipment and ventilation, improving electrical, communication and computer connections, adding energy-efficient window glass, and updating the collection of books and materials.
The branch, which opened in 1964, has been designated as a landmark building by Seattle’s Landmarks Preservation Board. The Library worked with the landmarks board throughout the design process to preserve the architectural character of the branch.
(For more information, call Caroline Young Ullmann, assistant communications director, 206-615-1627.)
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Content modified: 23 February 2007
02/23/2007
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