An architect selection advisory panel has recommended that Bassetti Architects, Carlson Architects, Snyder Hartung Kane Strauss Architects and Weinstein Copeland Architects remain in consideration for the job of designing the new Montlake Library.
Panel members evaluated the qualifications of 12 firms before selecting the Seattle-based finalists to interview and introduce to the public. A total of 17 firms applied to design the building.
A public reception for the architect finalists is set for 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 16 at the existing Montlake Library, 2300 24th Ave. E. The architects will display examples of their work and be available to answer questions.
The panel will interview each firm. The Seattle Public Library board of trustees is expected to hear comments from the advisory panel and select an architect for the Montlake Library project at its meeting at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 23 at the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library, 2021 Ninth Ave.
Bassetti Architects, founded in 1947, specializes in projects for civic, academic and cultural clients. The firm has designed numerous public libraries, including the historic renovations of Seattle Public Library's West Seattle and University branches, and King County Library System's Woodmont Library in Des Moines, Redmond Regional Library, North Bend Library and Newport Way Library. Bassetti, which is currently designing a new library in Black Diamond, also has designed more than 49 libraries at state universities, high schools, middle schools and elementary schools.
Founded in 1984, Carlson Architects is known for its innovative and functional architectural design, and for its sensitivity to the needs of the client and community. The firm has designed the Timberland/North Mason Library in Belfair, the Hoodsport Library renovation, Lakeside School McAllister Fine Arts Building addition and remodel, Overlake School Math and Science Building in Redmond, and academic buildings at the University Preparatory Academy. It also is designing the new Beacon Hill Library.
Founded in 1997, Snyder Hartung Kane Strauss Architects has a special interest in the restoration and rehabilitation of historic buildings. 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 historic Green Lake and West Seattle branch libraries.
Weinstein Copeland Architects, founded in 1986, focuses on designing timeless, cost-effective buildings for institutions, commercial enterprises and single-family residential clients. The firm has designed the Banner Building in Belltown, the West Police Precinct/911 Communications Center, Temple de Hirsch Sinai Eastside Synagogue in Bellevue, the Holly Park Redevelopment Phases I & II, several projects for the Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood and The Majestic Bay Theater in Ballard.
Community representatives serving on the advisory panel include Montlake residents: Lyle Bicknell, father of two daughters and an urban designer for the city of Seattle; Ellen Santarelli, mother of two young children and a speech language pathologist; and Laura Gardner, an architect and mother of two young library users.
The new $2.57 million library, which is scheduled to open in 2004, 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 current 1,574-square-foot library is located in a converted retail store at 2300 24th Ave. E. The new 5,000-square-foot library will be built on the northwest corner of 24th Avenue East and East McGraw Street.
Voters approved the new library as part of the $196.4 million "Libraries for All" bond measure passed in 1998. The 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 $77.5 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, at 206-615-1627.)
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Content modified: 02 April 2002
12/30/2005
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