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 Seattle Public Library’s Green Lake Branch, one of the Library’s historic Carnegie buildings, is preparing to reopen in fall 2024. The branch has been temporarily closed 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, 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 Update – September 2024
Major renovations to the Green Lake Branch are substantially complete. The seismic retrofit and exterior accessibility improvements are finished, the electric HVAC system and new elevator have been installed, the branch interior has been modernized and usable public space has been expanded.
Unfortunately, complications with the project along the way have pushed our estimated reopening into the fall. This delay resulted primarily from two issues.
First, critical improvements to the branch interior had to be put on hold while we waited for the manufacturing and delivery of the electric control panel for the new elevator. This took several weeks longer than we were promised by the vendor due to problems with their supply chain and labor force.
Second, we discovered that the fire suppression system we are installing in the branch required modifying and, in some cases, replacing underground water pipes leading to the branch to comply with current fire safety codes. This work is happening now and nearing completion.
Whenever issues like these arise during renovation projects on landmarked buildings like the Green Lake Branch - one of our historic Carnegie libraries - the work can take longer than expected. Extra care must be taken to ensure we protect these buildings and preserve their legacy for future generations.
We anticipate that construction will be complete in approximately 3-4 weeks, and that preparing the building for reopening will take another 3 weeks. If all goes well, we plan on reopening by November.
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.