— by Cara Russell —
on the left, Liz LeRoy, Library Expansion Project Manager, discusses some of the details at the Library Open House on Sept. 22.
Orcas Islanders weighed in enthusiastically on design plans for the Public Library Expansion project at two Open House sessions on Tuesday, Sept. 22.
They reviewed the project with the newly-selected staff of HKP architects of Mt. Vernon. Library Director Phil Heikkinen, Library Staff, Julie Blazek (HKP partner), Russ Weiser (HKP associate), and Christine Baldwin (HKP intern architect), led the discussion, answering questions and getting input on how best to design of the Library expansion to address the needs of the community.
HKP was one of eight firms interviewed, and was selected earlier this month by the Orcas Island Library Board of Trustees. HKP is no stranger to Orcas Island, as they designed the recent Orcas Historical Museum addition, and the original library building in 1992.
“We are now passing the baton on to these guys,” said local architect, David Kau who served on the selection committee, and who has designed models for the expansion over recent years.
Large blank sheets of paper lined the walls of the meeting room, posing questions such as:
• What is your FAVORITE thing about the existing library?
• How would you define SUCCESS for the library expansion?
• In one word, describe your VISION of the project.
Chart showing increase expansion by program, including addition of an elevator, quiet reading and small group study areas
In response to the questions posed, the community described their appreciation for the Library expansion project and their appreciated and desires that the library see the expansion continue to resonate the feeling of home, the friendly staff, the warm and ambient feel, natural light, and continuation of being a welcoming community center for Orcas.
Along with what they want to remain the same, those in attendance spoke of the need for:
• more parking,
• an elevator,
• larger space for the local teens to have a place to go after school,
• more workspace,
• and a proper art exhibit space.
Liz LeRoy, who recently managed the $11.9M School Bond Project, has been selected to manage the Library Expansion project. Construction is set to start next summer.
If you want to get in on the conversation, the next Community Open House and Design Input meeting with HKP and the Library Board members and staff on: Tuesday, October 6, from 2 – 4 p.m. and 5 – 7 p.m.
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