Building Facts: Northeast Branch

 

Project description: Expand existing branch

• Expand branch by 7,958 square feet
• The expanded branch has an updated collection capacity of 66,700 books and materials, more seating, new computer work stations and instructional areas, a meeting room, better lighting, upgraded technology services and equipment, new carpeting, better seismic safety and energy-efficient windows.
• The original 7,042-square-foot branch was built in 1954. It circulated a higher percentage of its collection than any other branch in the system.

Quick facts

• Project type: Expand existing branch
• Completion date: 2004
• Budget for capital costs: $4.9 million
• Total library program area: 15,000 square feet (formerly 7,042 square feet)
• Computers: 34 (formerly 15)
• Artist: Heather Dew Oaksen
• Art budget: $55,124
• Library Board steward: Eric Liu
• Architect: The Miller|Hull Partnership
• Contractor: Graham Contracting Ltd.

Milestones

• October 2009: The Northeast Branch reopened after a seven-week closure for refurbishing. Improvements included more space for holds, two more self-checkout computers and a reconfigured work room and interior book drop to increase efficiency of the space.
• June 2004: The Northeast Branch of The Seattle Public Library opened at noon Saturday, June 26.
• June 2003: Construction began on the branch expansion.
• April 2003: The branch closed at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 19 to prepare for expansion.
• February 2003: Seattle's Landmarks Preservation Board issued the Certificate of Approval for the expansion plans.
• July 2002: Residents attended an open house to view the expansion design.
• January 2002: Residents attended a meeting to see the first images of the expansion project. A consultant hired to study traffic and parking patterns around the branch delivered its report to the Library.
• May 2001: The Seattle Public Library board of trustees selected Capitol Hill artist Heather Dew Oaksen to design artwork for the project.
• April 2001: Residents attended a "hopes and dreams" meeting to share ideas on services, collections, programs and artwork.
• March 2001: The Library Board selected The Miller|Hull Partnership to design the expansion.
• February 2001: Residents met architect finalists at a public reception.
• January 2001: Seattle's Landmarks Preservation Board voted to designate the Northeast Branch as a landmark building.
• December 2000: Fifteen architects answered the Library's call to apply to design the branch expansion and renovation.
• 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.