Lewis & Clark Branch

Project Status

Completed. Opened to the public October 14, 2015.
 

Project Details

The former Lewis & Clark Branch opened to the public in 1963. The building was 16,000 square feet on two floors and had undergone several renovations over the years, but was no longer considered practical for a modern library. Space restrictions, the lack of study rooms, quiet spaces and seating throughout the branch, and the need for more computers were the most common issues cited by patrons at this location.

Community input helped determine many of the amenities included in the new, 20,000 square foot branch branch. Some of the highlights include an expanded children's area with discovery themed details-including the Big and Little Dipper made out of LED lights; a business center with fax, copy and scanning machines; three different computing areas with all new computers (57 total); a large community meeting room with a white board and projector; three private study rooms; and an expanded, colorful teen area.

The iconic stained glass windows depicting Lewis, Clark and Sacagawea have been reinstalled at the new branch. The panels, originally created by Emil Frei & Associates, were removed from the old branch before demolition. The experts at Emil Frei carefully cleaned and restored the windows, which are now on display on the east side of the new building.
 

Photos

View photos of the construction progress.

View photos from opening day - October 14, 2015.

View photos from the ribbon cutting ceremony on October 30, 2015.
 

Amenities

  • Three different computing areas (including an instructional lab)
  • Expanded children's area with a program and crafts center
  • Space for teens
  • A business center featuring fax and copy machines
  • Multiple study rooms
  • Large community meeting room
  • Improved green space outside of the branch
     

Architect

KAI
 

Budget

$6.5 million
 

Events

Two community forums were held on Friday, January 30, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. and Thursday, February 5, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. at the current Lewis & Clark Branch.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Thursday, October 23, 2014 at the construction site.