Public invited to write future of new library
Friday, November 23, 2007
BY HOWARD BUCK, Columbian staff writer
Imagine, a chance to help design Vancouver's new main library from the ground up.
Starting with a "hopes and dreams" public forum at 7 p.m. Tuesday, everyone is invited to do just that.
Following an overview by project architects Miller/Hull Partnership of Seattle, guests will break into groups to raise questions and pitch their best ideas what a 21st century facility should look like.
It's a first step toward construction of the central library, approved by voters in September 2006 as part of a $43 million bond measure.
Four levels. Ninety-thousand square feet. Wi-Fi Internet access, and an underground parking garage: The city's never seen a library like this.
"What we're looking for from the public is their vision of what they'd like to see," said Doreen Turpen, special projects director for the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District. "The kickoff meeting is really about their hopes and dreams."
Turpen is guiding work on two Vancouver libraries, including the new branch library adjoining the Firstenburg Community Center on Northeast 136th Avenue.
The east Vancouver branch, 10 times the size of the existing Cascade Park Library, will cost about $10 million when outfitted. It should open in late 2009.
The $37 million downtown facility, almost double the size of the current Vancouver Community Library, will benefit from an anonymous $5 million donation. It should open by 2011.
The first of three planned forums, Tuesday's session will show future library users what's possible, taking its cue from several features in the east Vancouver branch.
Besides expanded collections of books and other resources, new touches include:
More space so people can work together on computers. That's now the norm for young people, Turpen noted.
Wireless Internet zones, for visitors who bring their own laptop computers, with power plug-ins. Visitors want relaxed areas in which they can linger.
A separate teen area, with its own distinct furniture and "character," Turpen said.
More PlayAway recorded books, which use a portable MP3-type device and ear buds to make audio books more convenient.
A children's area more geared to early learning, with space where parents and children can read together.
Other amenities include computers placed around the building, more handy for library staff and visitors, and new displays to draw attention to exhibits or merchandise, Turpen said.
A common request was a floor plan that allows family members to spread out, yet maintain contact with each other, she said.
The eastside library design meets those needs, Turpen said. "We're getting comments from people that, 'Yes, that's what I wanted it to do,' " she said.
Architects 'tuned in'
Turpen and other library leaders have toured similarly sized facilities in Eugene, Ore., San Mateo, Calif., and in Bellevue to glean ideas. They were impressed by architecture and interior design that adds comfort and uses natural light, she said. They also made note how each building could adapt to future technologies, she said.
Under city planning rules, design of the new downtown Vancouver library must "respect and reflect" the brick-lined Academy building across Evergreen Boulevard, Turpen said.
Officials are confident architect firm Miller/Hull and developer Killian Pacific of Vancouver are up to the task.
"They're very much tuned into the Northwest region, very clean (design) and using local materials," Turpen said of the architects.
Free underground parking
The new main library is a prime element of the planned $165 million Riverwest development on nearly 4 acres on the southeast corner of East Evergreen Boulevard and C Street, where the Carr auto dealership now operates. The proposal includes 195 condominiums, 100,000 square feet of office space, a 65-room hotel and restaurant and retail space.
New underground garages will hold 850 to 900 vehicles. Some 300 to 400 parking spaces will be funded by the city, under a limited tax increment financing plan.
About 200 spaces are reserved for free parking by library users.
By next May, Carr Auto Group plans to move its business to the Vancouver Auto Mall area. By late summer, six older houses along Evergreen Boulevard will be razed or moved.
The entire area will be cleared and excavation for the parking garages will begin by late 2008.
Construction on the library and one office tower should begin in early 2009.
Plans are to remodel the current main library building on East Mill Plain Boulevard into an administration and operations center for the library district.
On Tuesday, Clark County commissioners are expected to approve final design of the new east Vancouver branch library.
Acting as the Vancouver Library Capital Facility Area Board governing body, commissioners will meet at 9:30 a.m. in their sixth-floor hearing room at the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St.
Design of the $10.2 million branch library, which will adjoin the Firstenburg Community Center off Northeast 136th Avenue, includes a few late changes. That includes a covered walkway between the two buildings, said Doreen Turpen, special projects director for the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District.
Construction should start by next spring, with completion due by late 2009, Turpen said.
More information: Frequently asked questions and more details on the main library may be seen at:
www.fvrl.org/aboutus/Main_Library_Project.htm . Besides the forum, the public also may submit ideas by e-mail,
newlibraries@fvrl.org ; by mail, Attention: Julie Marr, FVRL, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver, WA, 98663; by telephone, 360-695-1566; or by filling out comment forms available at the main library.
Battle Ground Community Library: construction starts spring 2008; estimated completion spring 2009.
East Vancouver branch library: construction starts mid-2008; estimated completion late 2009.
Vancouver Community (main) library: construction on parking garage starts mid-2008, library construction starts mid-2009; estimated completion mid-2011.
Howard Buck covers the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District. He can be reached at 360-759-8015 or
howard.buck@columbian.com.
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