Newcastle Library Concept

This is the most recent conceptual drawing of the Newcastle Library. I am told that this represents appox. 90% design, so while some minor changes may happen, this is a fairly close appoximation to what the actually library will look like. The viewpoint is from the opposite sidewalk near the entrance to Apple Physical Therapy.

Newcastle Library Update

According to the KCLS website (click the meeting agenda for Sept. 25) the board is being presented with a proposal and recommendation from the KC Library staff. The recommendation is as follows:

Based on the current plans and cost projections, it is recommended that KCLS partner with Lorig Associates to develop and build a mixed-use structure that includes the new Newcastle Library. The quality of the development and the ability to deliver a library of the size and quality KCLS’ intended sets a positive tone for the successful completion of a community-oriented building. Mithun’s preliminary plans show a civic presence for the library that sets it apart from the apartments; ensuring that the community of users will feel welcome in this building as a gathering place

This is great news for Newcastle and the Library. The board is expected to make a decision on which plan to more forward with at tomorrows board meeting. Please send your comments to the library board through their website. Or better, you can attend tomorrows meeting at 5pm in the Library Administration Building on Newport Way in Issaquah to voice your opinion (and hopefully support) on this project to move forward.

You can view the full report and recommendation here. It is a very large PDF file that can be downloaded.

Library Update

Lorig Company has been selected by the KCLS staff as a potential co-developer of the library site. Over the next several months KCLS and Lorig will work to determine the fiasability and potential benefit of doing a multi-use development together.

The Directors report from the May 29th KCLS Board meeting has more detail. (pdf link)

Library public meeting

Last Thursday the King County Library system held another public meeting to review the status and progress of the Newcastle project. The meeting went very well and was attended by several residents in addition to the group of regulars (council, staff, commissioners). I will try to summarize the main points:

• The Library is on track to begin construction in approx one year from now (Jun 2008)
• 2 design plans are being pursued. First is a single story, single use building. The second is a Mixed use, multi story building.
• Bill Ptacek made mention that construction costs are rising and a mixed use development could help offset those costs which is why they were reviewing proposals from a handful of developers. They will make a decision on whether to continue to pursue the mixed use option in the next few weeks.
• A model and conceptual drawings of both a single and multi story building were presented by Mithun Architects.
• Discussion was had around the orientation of the building and it was fairly unanimous that a western entrance would be preferred.
• Parking in the multi story design was discussed in length. Many people had much concern about this. The Mithun representatives acknowledged this was a challenge and would continue to look at options.

In all the meeting was a great status report from KCLS. I had met with Bill Ptacek earlier in the week and was glad that the positive tenor from our meeting carried through to the public meeting on the part of everyone who attended.

I have a clear bias toward the multi use proposal the library has presented. Clearly the library will be a great addition to the city in whatever form it takes, but a mixed-use facility would be the first piece in changing our business district into a vibrant pedestrian center. Look for more information from both the library and the city on this issue in the coming weeks and months.