Building Facts: Fremont Branch

Project description: Renovate existing branch

• The renovation included converting an 800-square-foot storage area into library program space, an updated collection of books and materials, more seating and computers, ventilation and a more efficient interior layout.
• The branch, which opened in 1921, is a Mission Revival-style, Carnegie-funded branch designed by Daniel R. Huntington. It is listed on The National Register of Historic Places.
• The Library coordinated the renovation with Seattle Parks and Recreation, which developed a park next door to the branch. The departments provided improved access to the branch for patrons who use wheelchairs by creating a ramp that leads from the park to the branch's lower-level meeting room.

Quick facts

• Project type: Renovate existing branch
• Completion date: 2005
• Budget for capital costs: $665,000
• Total library program area: 6,840 square feet (formerly 6,040 square feet)
• Computers: 13 (formerly 7)
• Artist: Dennis Evans
• Art budget: $15,305
• Library Board steward: Gordon McHenry Jr.
• Architect: Hoshide Williams Architects
• Contractor: Biwell Construction Inc.

Milestones

• April 2005: The renovated Fremont Branch of The Seattle Public Library opened at noon Saturday, April 16.
• July 2004: Construction began on the branch renovation.
• May 2004: The branch closed May 22 for renovation.
• April 2004: The Seattle Public Library board of trustees selected artist Dennis Evans of Seattle to create artwork for the Fremont, Green Lake, Queen Anne, University, and West Seattle branches.
• December 2003: Seattle's Landmarks Preservation Board awarded the final Certificate of Approval for the branch renovation.
• October 2003: Residents attended a meeting to see the design of the renovation.
• June 2003: Residents attended a meeting to see early designs of the renovation.
• September 2002: The Library Board selected Hoshide Williams Architects to design the renovation. An advisory panel that included Fremont-area residents evaluated proposals and interviewed architect finalists. Earlier in the month, residents met architect finalists at a public reception.
• March 2002: Twelve firms answered the Library's call for architects to renovate the historic branch.
• December 2001: Seattle's Landmarks Preservation Board voted to designate the Fremont Branch as a landmark building.
• November 1998: Seattle voters approved the $196.4 million "Libraries for All" bond measure. The bond money, which could be used only for construction of libraries, funded a new Central Library and new and improved branches.