Construction Enterprises & Contractors Inc. will begin work tomorrow on the expansion of The Seattle Public Library’s Southwest Branch to better serve the community.
The 8,213-square-foot branch, which is located at 9010 35th Ave. S.W., will grow to 15,000 square feet.
Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects designed the expansion to create a civic presence for the branch, which patrons said was easy to miss along busy 35th Avenue Southwest.
The $5,517,549 expansion project features a new meeting room, new seats and shelves, an improved interior layout, more computers and study areas, better lighting, a modern mechanical system, and improved seismic safety. The project also includes an updated collection of books and materials.
The building also will include a series of bronze sculptures by Vancouver, B.C., artist Katherine Kerr; the Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs manages the Library's public art program.
In addition, artist Morgan Brig of Seattle will create copper or bronze panel(s), thanks to additional funding from the Friends of the Southwest Branch.
The expanded branch is expected to open in late 2006.
The project 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.)
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Content modified: 19 September 2005
09/19/2005
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