The University and Queen Anne branches of The Seattle Public Library moved into the construction phase this week with the Library’s call for a general contractor to renovate the interiors of the historic branches to better serve the public.
Contractors are invited to submit bids by 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16. For more information, contact Bob Hoshide, Hoshide Williams Architects, 121 E. Boston St., Seattle, WA 98102, (206) 325-6441.
A pre-bid walk-through will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31 starting at the University Branch, 5009 Roosevelt Way N.E., and proceeding to the Queen Anne Branch, 400 W. Garfield St. The architect will be present to review the project requirements.
The estimated value of construction work for both projects is $1.42 million. They are being bid together because they are similarly sized interior remodels of historic branches. The projects will be awarded together to the lowest qualified bidder.
The overall project budget for all costs for the University Branch is $996,210, which includes the Library Board-approved addition in June of $204,260 for additional construction costs. For the Queen Anne Branch, it’s $847,145, which includes the Library Board-approved addition in June of $195,000 for additional construction costs and $101,523 from the Opportunity Fund to reconfigure interior space. The Opportunity Fund is a special fund created as part of the voter-approved “Libraries for All” (LFA) bond measure to be used for new or unanticipated neighborhood library capital needs.
Hoshide Williams Architects designed the renovations so patrons and staff could more efficiently use the interior space. The projects also include improved ventilation, more electrical, communications and computer connections, upgraded technology services and equipment, and improved mechanical systems. In addition, the Library will update the collection of books and materials at both branches.
Assuming the Library receives satisfactory bids, the branches will close later this year and construction will begin in early 2007. The branches are expected to reopen in the second half of 2007.
Both branches are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and are designated landmark buildings by Seattle’s Landmarks Preservation Board. The University Branch opened in 1910 and the Queen Anne Branch opened in 1914. The Library worked with the landmarks board throughout the design process to preserve the architectural character of the branches.
Voters approved the $196.4 million LFA bond measure 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, Douglass-Truth, Fremont, Green Lake, Greenwood, High Point, International District/Chinatown, Lake City, Montlake, NewHolly, North East, Northgate, Rainier Beach, South Park, Wallingford and West Seattle branches. Several 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, visit the Library’s Web site at www.spl.org.
(For more information, call Caroline Young Ullmann, assistant communications director, 206-615-1627.)
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Content modified: 26 October 2006
10/26/2006
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