The Magnolia branch of the Seattle Public Library moved into the construction phase this week with the library's call for a general contractor to renovate and expand the branch.
Contractors are invited to submit bids by 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15.
A pre-bid walk-through will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30, at the Magnolia branch, 2801 34th Ave. W. The architect will be present to review the project requirements.
The estimated value of construction work for the project is $1.78 million.
The overall project budget for all costs is $2.8 million, which includes $1.62 million through the Opportunity Fund, a special fund created as part of the Libraries for All bond measure to be used for new or unanticipated neighborhood library capital needs.
The 6,356-square-foot Magnolia branch will be renovated and expanded by about 1,440 square feet to include a new meeting room. Snyder Hartung Kane Strauss Architects designed the renovations so patrons and staff could more efficiently use the interior space.
The renovation work also includes replacing decayed structural wood and aging mechanical system components, upgrading technology services, equipment and ventilation, improving electrical, communication and computer connections, adding energy-efficient windows, improving the interior layout, and updating the collection of books and materials.
Assuming the library receives satisfactory bids, the branch is expected to close in late February so the contents can be moved out and stored during construction. Construction work is expected to be completed in late 2007.
The Magnolia branch, which opened in 1964, has been designated as a landmark building by Seattle's Landmarks Preservation Board. The library worked with the landmarks board throughout the design process to preserve the architectural character of the branch.
Voters approved the $196.4 million LFA bond measure in 1998. The bond money, which can be used only for construction of libraries, is funding new and improved branches, in addition to the new Central Library.
To date, the library has completed the new Central Library and the Ballard, Capitol Hill, Fremont, Green Lake, Greenwood and along with several others. Other branches in the area are in the design or construction phase.
The Seattle Public Library Foundation continues to raise funds from private sources to keep pace with the demands of patrons for the most comprehensive and dynamic library facilities and services.
Every dollar raised by the Foundation will ensure a level of excellence in the Library's facilities, collections, and programs that would not be possible through its tax-based support alone.
For more information, contact Tristin Pagenkopf, Snyder Hartung Kane Strauss, 1050 N. 38th St., Seattle, WA 98103, 675-9151. For more information, visit the Library's Web site at www.spl.org. branch[[In-content Ad]]
