Built in 1911 in the Prairie Style, a style that is rare in the Northwest, the original Hoquiam Carnegie Library building was 6,000 square feet in area on two floors. The renovation and expansion added 11,000 sf to the total area, and included 4,000 sf of parking.

The project involved several conceptual approaches, for both aesthetic and functional reasons. First, all books were relocated to the top floor of the original building and new annex due to the 100-year flood plain which lies three feet above the lower floor level. This allowed the lower floor to remain clear for other program requirements such as restrooms, conference rooms, and a large multi-purpose room. The lower floor of the new addition is used for parking, mechanical space, and an entry lobby. The design of the new addition complemented the early prairie style architecture of the original building and was constructed of wood framing with brick veneer and roof tiles to match the original. Lastly, it was conceived that the library, as a civic building, should stand apart from other buildings in the area.

Client:
City of Hoquiam

Completion Date :
1989