Construction is underway at The Seattle Public Library’s historically landmarked University Branch, which temporarily closed in January for major renovations, including a seismic retrofit and the installation of an electric HVAC system, which will provide air conditioning and improved ventilation to the branch while reducing carbon emissions.
The scope of these renovations will be extensive, as can be seen in the architectural plans for the project.
During this initial project phase, work crews have been focused on exposing areas of the building in need of repair, preparing for seismic structural upgrades, and laying the groundwork for accessibility improvements like a new ADA-compliant path, branch entrance and elevator.
The University Branch seismic retrofit will be more complex than the one recently completed at the Green Lake Branch. At the Green Lake Branch, steel frames were installed along interior walls to provide structural support to the building. At the University Branch, some unreinforced masonry walls will need to be removed and replaced by reinforced concrete to protect the building from seismic events.
Despite the extent of the work necessary to the University Branch, all precautions are being taken to preserve its historic character, uncover and restore original building features and protect its cultural legacy for generations to come.
Original building features like exterior windows have been removed while construction is underway and will be reinstalled later on. Important interior architectural and design features have been clearly identified and marked for preservation.
On the lower floor of the University Branch, everything has been cleared out in preparation for a major reconfiguration of the space. New electrical and mechanical systems will be installed on the lower level to accommodate the electric HVAC system, new accessible restrooms will be installed, along with an entryway for the new branch elevator. Newly remodeled meeting room spaces and other patron amenities will also be located on the lower floor.
This is just a portion of the work planned for the University Branch. In addition to these major improvements, patrons will enjoy revamped landscaping with places to sit and read and relax; modernized interior spaces with new lighting, shelving and furniture; reconfigured floor plans that add study rooms and usable space for patrons; and much more.
This project is made possible by funding from the 2019 Library Levy. Additional funding for this project has been provided by Congressional procurement secured by Rep. Pramila Jayapal and by grants from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Program and the Washington State Department of Commerce.
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