Columbia Branch - Historical Carnegie Building Renovation and Seismic Structural Upgrade of Unreinforced Masonry Building (URM)

The Seattle Public Library seeks architectural and engineering (A/E) teams to provide design and construction administration services for the renovation of its Columbia Branch Library. The building totals approximately 12,225 square feet and includes a historic Carnegie section (approximately 6,825 SF, constructed in 1915) and a 2004 addition (approximately 5,400 SF). The A/E team must prepare documents to meet Library requirements for review at programming, schematic design, 30% construction documents, 60% construction documents, permit set and submittal, 90% construction documents, 100% construction documents, bid set, and addendums.

The Columbia Branch Library has served the Columbia City neighborhood since 1915, when the original 6,825 square-foot Carnegie building was constructed with funds from an Andrew Carnegie grant. The building was designed by architects W. Marbury Somervell and Harlan Thomas in Georgian Revival style with brick construction. The branch is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a contributing structure in the Columbia City Landmark District.

The facility has undergone two significant renovations since its opening: a major remodel in 1986, and a 2004 expansion that added approximately 5,400 square feet, bringing the total to approximately 12,225 square feet. The 2004 addition created the current two-wing configuration and expanded library programming capacity while the original Carnegie wing continues to serve as the historic heart of the branch.

A 2016 seismic survey by the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspection identified the Columbia Branch as high-risk for earthquake damage due to its unreinforced masonry (URM) construction. Seismic vulnerabilities exist in both the original 1915 Carnegie structure and the 2004 addition. The structural upgrade is to comply with Damage Control concepts.

This seismic renovation is the final phase of a multi-phase renovation. Phase 1 — HVAC electrification and electrical upgrades — will be complete prior to the start of this project. A primary objective of the design is to protect the newly installed HVAC systems and ensure that seismic retrofit and building envelope work does not damage or require rework of Phase 1 improvements. In addition to the seismic upgrade, this project will include building envelope restoration, accessibility improvements, and interior renovation, updating the library to comply with current building and accessibility codes for the City of Seattle, the State of Washington, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.