Delridge Library
The mixed use project that includes the Delridge Library and Vivian McLean Place Apartments was DNDA's second project.
The first Seattle library in a mixed use building, and the first library building developed by a community partner.
Continued the revitalization of the Central or Brandon Node.
From the library's website:
The new Delridge Branch at 5423 Delridge Way S.W. opened June 29, 2002. It was the third branch to open under the "Libraries for All" building program. (See the Delridge Branch Construction Fact Sheet.)
The new building was developed in partnership with the Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association. The branch anchors the first floor of a three-story building that includes 19 apartments on the top two floors.
The $3 million library project features 5,600 square feet of space, 11 computers for the public, reading and study areas, a meeting room, and a collection of about 20,000 books and materials.
The new branch offers programs for adults, teens and children and has excellent reference service. The branch also features a wide variety of materials on subjects for all ages, including popular fiction, newspapers and magazines, large-print books, language learning tapes, CDs, videos, and books on tape.
Branch computers offer access to electronic magazines, consumer and research databases, as well as Word processing, Excel and Internet access
Our friendly, welcoming staff is ready to help you - whether you want to find a new picture book, learn how to use the Internet, or need help with a homework assignment. We are your community resource and service to you is our reason for being.
The new branch was designed by Stickney Murphy Romine Architects and built by Walsh Construction Co.
The architect designed the building to make it clear it has two uses: the housing portion feels like a house and the library portion has a civic presence.
The branch takes up the bottom floor of the building and has heavy concrete and high-tech finishes. The apartments in the upper two floors have a warmer feel.
Along the street, the apartments are set back from the rest of the building, and at the corner the apartments come forward so the housing blends with the branch.
The entry to the branch has a long diagonal corridor, which curves and draws people inside.
Locating housing and the library on the same site helps to reduce urban sprawl and allows more efficient use of public transportation.
Artists Nick Lyle and Jean Whitesavage created the building's artwork. For inspiration, they used the nearby Longfellow Creek watershed and designed sculptures of native plants that embellish the architecture.
History
In 1996, The Seattle Public Library opened a self-service unit with a computer terminal and a small collection in the Southwest Youth and Family Services Center. It quickly became apparent that Delridge needed more.
Libraries for All Capital Projects and the Delridge Branch
In 1998, voters approved the $196.4 million "Libraries for All" bond measure and The Seattle Public Library Foundation pledged to contribute privately raised money to improve the Library system. The plan included building a new Delridge Branch.
Construction began in May 2001 and the new branch opened June 29, 2002.
