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, reopened on October 28, 2024. The branch temporarily closed beginning February 1, 2023 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, presented a unique opportunity to make the Green Lake Branch safer, greener, and better able to meet the needs of the community while preserving its important legacy.
The improvements and renovations to the Green Lake Branch included:
- Seismic Retrofit: The Green Lake Branch received a comprehensive structural upgrade that significantly increases the safety of the building during an earthquake.
- Accessibility Improvements: The entire building was 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 was replaced with a new, highly efficient electric heat pump. The system provides heating and air conditioning throughout the branch, allowing it to remain open and provide shelter and relief for the community on hot days. It also significantly reduces our carbon emissions.
- 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. These improvements provide more usable space for patrons and more efficient and flexible use of the branch interior.
- Sustainability: The LEED-certified project is designed to meet the City of Seattle’s goals for environmentally responsible design.
Green Lake Branch Update – October 2024
The Seattle Public Library’s historic Green Lake Branch reopened on October 28, 2024, from a major renovation project that included a seismic retrofit, installation of a modern electric HVAC system, new elevator and restrooms, and significant accessibility improvements. The branch interior was refurnished and modernized to provide additional usable space for staff and patrons. The historic character and cultural legacy of the Green Lake Branch was protected at every stage of the project.
While these renovations took longer to complete than originally planned, we know you will be happy with the results. Thank you for your patience as we’ve worked diligently to reopen this important neighborhood resource and historic landmark.
University Branch Project Overview
The Seattle Public Library’s University Branch will temporarily close for major renovations from February 2025 until late 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 University Branch will be protected and preserved throughout the project.
The University Branch project will be similar in scope to the Green Lake Branch project that was completed successfully in October 2024.
These major renovations to the University Branch are funded by the 2019 Library Levy and by FEMA’s Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
University Branch Project Status – October 2024
The University Branch project has completed initial permitting, and the project design was approved by the City’s Landmarks Preservation Board in September 2024. The project went out to bid in October 2024 and contractors and subcontractors will be selected before the end of the year.
We anticipate that the University Branch will close for construction in early February 2025 and reopen in late 2026. Please note, however, that the timeline for this project may change.
Columbia Branch Project Overview
With funding from the 2019 Library Levy, the Columbia Branch will undergo major renovations projected to begin late 2026 or early 2027. 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 that was successfully completed in October 2024.
Columbia Branch Project Status – October 2024
Early project scope and design work for the Columbia Branch project is complete. In June 2024, we received funding for the installation of a modern HVAC system at five Library locations, including the Columbia Branch, through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. We do not yet have an anticipated start date for construction.