Information for Architects, Consultants, Contractors & Bidders
Libraries for All
Capital Program Office:
capital.program@spl.org
1000 Fourth Ave.
Seattle, WA 98104
206-615-1698
Building a New Central Library
On Nov. 3, 1998, Seattle voters overwhelmingly approved the $196.4 million “Libraries for All” bond measure to upgrade The Seattle Public Library with new facilities, technology, and books. The bond measure, which can be used only for construction of libraries, is funding a new central library and new and improved branches. The Libraries for All Web site links to the voter-approved 1998 capital plan and provides information on the entire building program. For information about individual branch projects, see Neighborhood Branches.
This page includes information about construction, the architect, the design process, community meetings, the art selection process, and other reports.
Status Report
New Central Library status report (Revised 06/22/06)
Project News
Seattle's Central Library receives engineering and technology excellence awards
Central Library project awarded silver rating from U.S. Green Building Council
Seattle's Central Library received AIA Honor Award for Outstanding Architecture
Fast Facts about the New Central Library
Public Art information
Building the Central Library
Central Library Furnishings
Central Library wins award for innovative use of steel (Press release: 12/04/03)
Central Library to open in 2004 (Press Release: 03/25/03)
Construction Photos (Time-lapse photos beginning May 2002)
Structural Steel Erection Sequence (Animations, posted 02/05/02)
History: Building the Central Library
Art News
The Seattle Public Library board of trustees selects third artist for “Library Unbound” project (Press release: 07/15/04)
The Seattle Public Library board of trustees selects two artists for “Library Unbound” project (Press release: 02/10/04)
History: Art News
Designing the Central Library
Rem Koolhaas wins Royal Institute of British Architects' Royal Gold Medal (01/06/04)
Library board approves enhanced glass and metal exterior for new Central Library (Press Release 03/05/02)
Design Information: Photos and drawings (05/31/01)
OMA/LMN Dec. 1999 "Concept Book" (01/26/00)
"Concept Book" Press Release (01/27/00)
History: Designing the Central Library
Landmarks Preservation Board Process (01/12/01)
Siting
Central Library Project Site Information . Includes maps and legal description. (03/02/99)
Central Library in "Libraries for All" Capital Plan approved by voters. Site Selection Process for the Central Library (03/13/98)
Other Key Links
Vision for the Central Library (03/13/98)
Archive
Times and tomes past: A pictorial history of The Seattle Public Library. Go to the HistoryLink Web site, then select "Seattle/King County Magic Lanterns" and "Times and Tomes Past: A Pictorial History of The Seattle Public Library " to locate this history of library buildings dating back to 1868. Written and curated by Paul Dorpat. (07/27/99)
Cartoon character has adventures in books: Sixth artwork in The Peephole Series (12/30/03)
Audio documentary on The Seattle Public Library programs: Fifth artwork in The Peephole Series (08/05/03)
The Seattle Public Library Comes to life in free talks: Fourth artwork in the Peephole Series (07/17/03)
The Seattle Public Library board of trustees selects four artists for "Library Unbound" project (06/20/03)
Visit "Audio Art Walk" at the Temporary Central Library (06/02/03)
Visit toy theatres at the new Central Library site: Second artwork in The Peephole Series (05/09/03)
Call for Artists: The Library Unbound (03/19/03)
Collectible bookmark unveiled as first artwork in The Peephole Series (Press Release 02/27/03)
Artists chosen to create work for The Peephole Series (Press Release 09/09/02)
Tsutakawa fountain to be removed from Central Library on Monday, June 4 (Press Release 05/31/01)
The first four artists have been selected to propose artwork... (Press Release 01/18/01)
Arts planner team selected for new Central Library (Press Release 09/13/00)
Public art plan for the Seattle Public Library. Jessica Cusick & Rick Lowe. Fall, 2001 (Art plan available for checkout. See Library Catalog)
See images of final Central Library design at May 5 open house (Press Release 04/03/01)
Seattle Public Library holds hearing on design-build process (Press Release 10/09/00)
Public invited to test "book spiral" design element planned for Seattle's new Central Library (Press Release 09/13/00)
Spiral Mockup Presentation. Copy of presentation given by LMN Architects.
History: Building the Central Library
Library Board names reading room in new Central Library after former board member Betty Jane Narver (Press Release: 06/14/02)
Preparation for demolition of Seattle's Central Library begins (Press Release updated 09/14/01)
Hoffman Construction Co. selected...for new central library (Press Release 05/24/00)
History: Designing the Central Library
News Articles (2003)
News Articles (2000-2002)
News Articles (1999)
News Articles (1997-1998)
Seattle Design Commission Minutes of Meeting 03/15/01. Central Library discussion.
Central Library project receives AIA Award (Press Release 11/15/00)
Seattle Design Commission Minutes of meeting, 09/21/00. Central Library discussion excerpt.
Seattle Design Commission Minutes of meeting, 05/04/00. Central Library discussion excerpt.
Rem Koolhaas named Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate for 2000 . (04/17/00)
Public input work groups Minutes of meetings in January 2000 (03/29/00). Help shape the new central library (12/99 invitation)
More about the Office for Metropolitan Architecture and LMN Architects (OMA's local partner)
New Central Library construction management: The Seneca Real Estate Group
Seattle Design Commission Minutes of meeting, 10/28/99. Central Library discussion excerpt.
Central Library Facility Program (Building Program) Executive Summary , RPG Partnership 10/98.
Content modified: 15 June 2007
06/15/2007
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