Graham Contracting Ltd. will begin work on Monday, Aug. 22 on The Seattle Public Library’s new Montlake Branch, a 5,652-square-foot facility that will replace the tiny 1,574-square-foot storefront branch that has served the community since 1944.
Weinstein A|U Architects + Urban Designers designed the brick and cedar-clad branch at 2234 E. McGraw St. to relate to the adjacent commercial area and to have a strong civic presence. A plaza will provide outdoor gathering spaces for patrons.
The new $4,257,310 branch will have an updated and expanded collection capacity of 18,700 books and materials, more seats and computers, a meeting room, and parking for 13 vehicles, which includes a structured parking garage with seven spaces.
Three existing structures on the site will be demolished. The new branch is expected to open in late 2006.
The branch also will include artwork by Seattle artist Rebecca Cummins, who is creating a colored glass sundial/skylight for the new building. The Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs manages the Library’s public art program.
The new branch is part of the $196.4 million “Libraries for All” bond measure that Seattle voters passed in 1998. The bond money, which can be used only for construction of libraries, is funding new and improved branches, in addition to the new Central Library.
To date, the Library has completed the new Central Library and the Ballard, Beacon Hill, Capitol Hill, Columbia, Delridge, Fremont, Green Lake, Greenwood, High Point, International District/Chinatown Branch, NewHolly, North East, Rainier Beach, Wallingford and West Seattle branches. Many other branches are in the planning, design or construction phase.
The Seattle Public Library Foundation continues to raise funds from private sources to enhance the public bond commitment and keep pace with the demands of patrons for a high level of library service. 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 about “Libraries for All” or the Foundation, visit the Library’s Web site at www.spl.org.
(For more information, call Caroline Young Ullmann, assistant communications director, 206-615-1627.)
Return to the Libraries for All capital projects page
Return to the list of Libraries for All press release headlines
Content modified: 22 August 2005
12/30/2005
© 1999-2006 - The Seattle Public Library