Seismic Retrofit Projects
The 2019 voter-approved Library Levy provided $13.8 million in funding to seismically retrofit the historic Green Lake, University and Columbia branches.
About the Project
A survey identified the three unreinforced Carnegie buildings as high-risk for damage and loss of life in the event of a major earthquake. The 2016 survey was conducted by the city Department of Construction and Inspection, which advised these buildings be retrofitted in the next seven years.
The seismic upgrade to each of these landmarked buildings is estimated to take approximately 18 months to complete. The buildings will be closed during construction.
Detailed information on each project, including building closure dates and alternative services, will be shared as it becomes available.
Tentative schedule
Green Lake Branch Project – Completed October 2024
The Seattle Public Library’s Green Lake Branch, one of the Library’s historic Carnegie buildings, reopened on October 28, 2024. The branch temporarily closed beginning February 1, 2023 for major renovations, including a seismic retrofit and the installation of an electric HVAC system and accessible elevator, and other interior improvements.
This project, funded by the 2019 Library Levy, presented a unique opportunity to make the Green Lake Branch safer, greener, and better able to meet the needs of the community while preserving its important legacy.
The improvements and renovations to the Green Lake Branch included:
- Seismic Retrofit: The Green Lake Branch received a comprehensive structural upgrade that significantly increases the safety of the building during an earthquake.
- Accessibility Improvements: The entire building was made more accessible for patrons with a new ramp from the sidewalk, a new ADA parking stall, new restrooms and a new fully accessible, west side building entrance leading to a new elevator serving both floors.
- HVAC System Replacement: The current gas-fired boiler system was replaced with a new, highly efficient electric heat pump. The system provides heating and air conditioning throughout the branch, allowing it to remain open and provide shelter and relief for the community on hot days. It also significantly reduces our carbon emissions.
- Interior Renovations: Interior improvements include renovations to the meeting room, two new study rooms, remodeled staff work areas, a new circulation/service desk, new lighting and new furniture. These improvements provide more usable space for patrons and more efficient and flexible use of the branch interior.
- Sustainability: The LEED-certified project is designed to meet the City of Seattle’s goals for environmentally responsible design.
University Branch Project Overview
The Seattle Public Library’s University Branch has temporarily closed from Wednesday, January 29, until late 2026 for a seismic retrofit and other major renovations, including the installation of an electric HVAC system, an elevator, additional restrooms, study rooms, and a dedicated multipurpose room.
Project details, plans and illustrations may be found in the University Branch Presentation Boards and Architectural Plans. The unique historical and cultural legacy of the University Branch will be protected and preserved throughout the project.
This project is made possible by funding from the 2019 Library Levy. Additional funding for this project has been provided by a Congressional procurement secured by U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal and by grants from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Program and the Washington State Department of Commerce.
Project Scope:
Seismic Retrofit
The University Branch will undergo a seismic retrofit to protect patrons, staff and the building during an earthquake.
HVAC Installation
The current gas-powered furnace will be replaced with a modern, electric HVAC system, providing air conditioning and improved ventilation while reducing carbon emissions.
Accessibility Improvements
Access to the branch will be improved with new accessible ramps and paths from perimeter sidewalks to branch entrances, new accessible entrances at the southwest corner and north side of the branch, new accessible parking spaces, new accessible restrooms on both floors and the installation of branch elevator.
Interior Renovations
The branch interior will be reconfigured with the addition of two new study rooms, a dedicated music room, a relocated and renovated meeting room and additional public restrooms. New and improved lighting, shelving, carpets and furniture will also be installed in the branch.
Exterior Renovations
The branch exterior will be repaired and repainted. Historic design elements, including exterior windows and stucco will be restored and weatherproofed. The existing clay tile roof will be retained with minor repairs.
Sustainability
The renovated branch will meet the City of Seattle’s goals for environmentally responsible design and will be LEED Gold Certified. Along with other energy conservation improvements, the branch will be outfitted with solar panels on the roof and capacity for future EV charging stations on the parking lot.
University Branch Project Status – November 2025
Over the last few months, a primary focus of the project has been on retrofitting the branch against seismic events. Unlike the retrofit of the Green Lake Branch, which used large, steel moment frames resist seismic loads, the University Branch retrofit relies on the installation of reinforced concrete shear walls. These shear walls have been installed at critical locations inside the branch, extending from the main level into the basement.
Crews have also been busy on the lower level of the branch. They have recently constructed a new foundation for the floor of the meeting room, which is being fully remodeled and modernized. They are also nearing completion on the shaft for the new elevator. The University Branch has never had an elevator before, and this will make it much easier for patrons to access all areas of the renovated branch.
One big surprise during the demolition and excavation phases of this project was an old boiler we found buried under the basement floor, right next to a coal-storage room. This piece of history was fun to find, but a hassle to deal with. It required additional excavation and careful remediation of the surrounding soil, to make sure the boiler and all the contaminants from it’s prior operation were safely removed.
In mid-November, crews made major progress on reconstructing a western branch wall that matched the historic character of the original, which was unreinforced masonry and had to be removed.
Stay tuned for more updates in the new year!
Columbia Branch Project Overview
With funding from the 2019 Library Levy, the Columbia Branch will undergo major renovations projected to begin late 2026 or early 2027. The work will include a seismic retrofit, the installation of an electric HVAC system, extensive accessibility improvements and interior modernization. The unique historical and cultural legacy of the Columbia Branch will be protected and preserved throughout the project. We expect the Columbia Branch project to be similar in scope to the Green Lake Branch project that was successfully completed in October 2024.
Columbia Branch Project Status – November 2025
To absorb a $5 million reduction in City General Fund support for the Library, we are temporarily deferring the Columbia Branch seismic retrofit. This project will be delayed by a year or more. In 2026, we will proceed with installing a modern, electric HVAC system at the Columbia Branch with funding already secured by FEMA and other sources.