In our October 2025 University Branch update, we highlighted the significant progress made on the seismic retrofit of the branch, including the installation of reinforced shear walls at critical support points, which extend from the ceiling through the basement.
Seismic Retrofit Complete!
In this update, we are excited to announce that the seismic retrofit of the branch is now complete, with final structural support components successfully installed. These final components include a large shear wall replacing the unreinforced masonry at the rear of the branch (as seen in the image above) and a steel moment frame to secure the area around the branch entrance.
The University Branch seismic retrofit and the other major renovations underway were made possible by funding from the 2019 Library Levy. There are four remaining Library branches (Columbia, Fremont, Queen Anne and West Seattle), all historically landmarked buildings constructed from unreinforced masonry, that need to be retrofit for the safety of patrons and staff. We look forward to completing these future projects as funding becomes available.
Repair and Restoration of Historic Features
The seismic retrofit and major renovations of the University Branch has given us an opportunity to repair and restore historic features of the landmark building. After almost 120 years in operation, there’s quite a lot of work to do. Large sections of the original masonry had been damaged as the building aged, and perhaps as a result of prior seismic events, but that damage had been hidden behind the plaster walls. Our crews have exposed sections of masonry to repair the damage, and will recover them with new plaster to match the original appearance of the exterior.
New Study Rooms and Accessible Entrance
If you stroll past the back of the University Branch, you will notice some new steel framing and concrete platforms on either side of the building. The framing on the northwestern corner marks the space where new study rooms will be added, which will be accessible from the main floor and reservable for patrons.
The framing on the southwestern corner will be the location of a vestibule for the new accessible branch entrance. Later on in the project, the branch parking lot will be regraded to be level with the new entrance. An ADA pathway will also run from the entrance around to the front of the branch and to the sidewalk on Roosevelt Way NE.
New Walls, New Ceilings, New Floors
Inside the main level of the University Branch, significant progress has been made in preparation for a complete refresh of the interior. New concrete floors have already been poured. New steel framing has been installed along the reinforced shear walls to support new branch interior walls and a new plaster ceiling, which will be skim coated to match the original appearance. The framing will also allow new and thicker insulation to be installed, which will improve the energy efficiency of the branch and reduce the load on the new HVAC system.
Once the interior infrastructure is complete, the main level will be outfitted with new carpeting and tile, and the historic windows, which have been refurbished, will be reinstalled. When that work is done, new furniture, shelving and lighting will be installed on the main level, providing more comfortable and welcoming spaces for patrons.
Renovations and Improvements Downstairs
The lower level of the University Branch has been completely reconfigured to increase accessibility and usable space, prepare for the installation of a new elevator and HVAC system, and better meet the needs of patrons and staff.
The old meeting room on the south end of the lower level is being converted to staff office space, and a new, modern meeting room is being prepared on the north end, closer to the new elevator. Framing has been completed and drywalling is near completion for the staff offices, meeting room, accessible public restrooms, and multipurpose/piano room.
An energy recovery ventilation system has been installed that will work with the modern electric HVAC system to reduce energy consumption and improve air quality inside the building. All the refrigerant piping for the HVAC system has been completed and the venting is currently underway.
Upcoming Work and a Tentative Timeline
There will be a lot of visible construction activity around the University Branch in the coming months. The new elevator is expected to be delivered and installed in early April. The new HVAC units are scheduled to be installed on the northwest corner of the branch roof in May. Also in May, crews will be refinishing the branch exterior.
Hardscaping is happening now around the University Branch grounds, with retaining walls being installed in preparation for new accessible ramps and pathways. Landscaping will begin this summer.
We are working toward a projected reopening in September, and will provide another project update in June.