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159 Western Avenue West, Suite 486
Seattle, Washington 98119
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Seattle Public Library Green Lake Branch
the renovation of this well-loved library brings much needed updates to better serve current and future generations
Seattle Public Library Green Lake Branch
a new ramp leads to a new entry plaza with a fully accessible entrance and lobby
Seattle Public Library Green Lake Branch
inside the main entry is a new browsing section with a new service desk beyond
Seattle Public Library Green Lake Branch
historic bookcases and interior wood trim were restored throughout the reading room
Seattle Public Library Green Lake Branch
new concealed LED lighting brightens the beautiful historic ceiling vault at the main entrance

the former librarian’s office was converted to create two new study rooms
Seattle Public Library Green Lake Branch
a new service desk fronts a new enclosed area for book processing
Seattle Public Library Green Lake Branch
the new structural steel for the seismic retrofit is exposed at the interior of the reading room, and visually integrated with the historic plaster and wood trim details of the walls

new contemporary furniture gives special identity to the new Teen area
Seattle Public Library Green Lake Branch
the new seismic retrofit steel integrated with the historic architecture
Seattle Public Library Green Lake Branch
the Children's area is actively used by local kids and caregivers
Seattle Public Library Green Lake Branch
opened in 1910 and designed by architects Somervell and Cote, the Green Lake Branch is one of three existing Carnegie Libraries in the Seattle Public Library system
Seattle Public Library Green Lake Branch
the Green Lake Branch has been a cornerstone of the Green Lake neighborhood for more than 110 years and its renovation allows the library to better serve current and future generations
Seattle Public Library Green Lake Branch
the comprehensive seismic upgrade is designed to meet above-standard safety performance during an earthquake so the library can serve as a disaster relief center

Location Seattle, WA

Client The Seattle Public Library

The Seattle Public Library Green Lake Branch

Constructed in 1909, the Green Lake Branch is one of three existing Carnegie Libraries in the Seattle Public Library system. The library has been a cornerstone of the Green Lake neighborhood and in continuous use for more than 110 years. Our renovation of this well-loved library brings much needed updates to the Seattle Landmark building, allowing it to better serve the current community and future generations.

Our design approach respects and preserves the Carnegie legacy represented in the historic architecture, while integrating a host of critical, contemporary improvements. The project scope includes a seismic retrofit, designed to meet above-standard safety performance during an earthquake so the library can serve as a disaster relief center. A new, highly efficient fossil-fuel-free system for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) helps meet sustainability goals while improving patron comfort. Accessibility and patron experience improvements include a new universal-design lower-level entrance, a new elevator, new restrooms, a new service desk area, new study and meeting rooms – with new furniture, finishes, and LED lighting throughout. The project is LEED Gold certified.

A BuildingWork project. Photography by Lara Swimmer; diagrams © BuildingWork; historic photos © Seattle Public Library.