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 Overview
The Green Lake Branch, one of The Seattle Public Library’s historically landmarked Carnegie buildings, is temporarily closed while undergoing a seismic retrofit and other major renovations, including the installation of a new HVAC system, accessibility improvements and interior modernization. We expect the branch to reopen in the summer of 2024.
This project, funded by the 2019 Library Levy, provides a unique opportunity to make the Green Lake Branch safer and better able to meet the needs of the community while preserving its important legacy.
The improvements and renovations to the Green Lake Branch will include:
- Seismic Retrofit: The Green Lake Branch will receive a comprehensive structural upgrade that will significantly increase the safety of the building during an earthquake.
- Accessibility Improvements: The entire building will be 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 will be replaced with a new, highly efficient electric heat pump. The system will provide heating and air conditioning throughout the branch, allowing it to remain open and provide shelter and relief for the community on hot days.
- 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 will allow more efficient and flexible use of building space.
- Sustainability: The LEED-certified project is designed to meet the City of Seattle’s goals for environmentally responsible design.
Green Lake Branch Project Update – October 2023
The Green Lake Branch renovations and seismic retrofit have progressed significantly since our last project update in June 2023.
We have completed excavation of the lower level, providing space for a new entry gallery, new conference room, additional restrooms and an expanded work area for staff. We have also completed construction of a stronger foundation and new retaining walls for the building.
We are currently working on major interior accessibility improvements on the lower level, including the construction and a west-side building entrance that will lead to a new and more accessible elevator. We are building the shaft for the new elevator now.
The seismic retrofit is also underway. We are currently framing the walls of the lower level and installing steel structural moment frames throughout the building.
University Branch Project Overview
With funding from the 2019 Library Levy, the University Branch will undergo major renovations in 2024. 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 University Branch will be protected and preserved throughout the project. We expect the University Branch project to be similar in scope to the Green Lake Branch project currently underway.
University Branch Project Status – October 2023
The University Branch seismic retrofit project is currently in the permitting stage. The project team and architects are working with SDCI and the Landmarks Preservation Board to ensure compliance with all relevant codes and regulations.
We anticipate that the University Branch will close for construction in late 2024 and reopen in early 2026. Please note, however, that the timeline for this project is tentative and may change.
Columbia Branch Project Overview
With funding from the 2019 Library Levy, the Columbia Branch will undergo major renovations in 2025-2026. 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 currently underway.
Columbia Branch Project Status – October 2023
We have retained the architectural firm SHKS to conduct an early assessment of the scope and cost for the Columbia Branch seismic retrofit and other renovations and improvements. This assessment was completed in late summer 2023.
Based on this assessment, the scope of the Columbia Branch project will include the seismic retrofit, branch electrification and installation of a new HVAC system, and a variety of internal and external accessibility improvements.
We do not yet have an anticipated start date for construction.