May 28, 2003

Design Detailings: Action: Better City's 'Viaduct' film June 4

On June 4, Action: Better City will premiere its film "Viaduct? What Viaduct?" as a catalyst for discussing options for Seattle’s waterfront.

The documentary looks beyond the Alaskan Way Viaduct to examine the potential waterfront environment and was is the best solution for the citizens. What legacy will today's leaders leave future generations?

Action: Better City is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering and exploring the ideas that link Seattle and its environment, the connections of its downtown neighborhoods and the potential for unique public spaces.

Doors open at 5:30, and the film starts at 6:15, with a discussion to follow. It will be shown at Seattle Art Museum. The suggested donation is $5.

Capitol Hill library reopens Saturday

The 11,215-square-foot Capitol Hill Library will reopen Saturday.

The Seattle Public Library celebrates the opening of the Capitol Hill branch, 425 Harvard Ave. E., from 11:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. The $5 million branch, designed by Johnston Architects and Cutler Architects, is the fourth project completed under the 1998 Libraries for All building program.

The 11,215-square-foot branch replaces the 4,904-square-foot building constructed in 1954. The new branch features 40,200 books and materials, more seats, program areas for children and teens, computer work stations, a meeting room and underground parking. A 400-square-foot neighborhood service center is included on the mezzanine level of the new branch.

Speakers will include Seattle City Librarian Deborah L. Jacobs, Mayor Greg Nickels and Seattle City Council President Peter Steinbrueck. Architects Ray Johnston and James Cutler, and building artist Iole Alessandrini also will be present.

Early design unveiled for Fremont Library

The public is invited to see early designs of the renovations planned for the Fremont Branch of the Seattle Public Library from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, at 731 N. 35th St. Designers from Hoshide Williams Architects will be on hand to explain the design.

The $566,094 renovation will include converting a 780-square-foot storage area into space for the public and staff. The project also will feature an updated collection of 27,000 books and materials, more seating and computers, ventilation, and more efficient lobby, circulation desk and work areas.

The library is coordinating the renovation with Seattle Parks and Recreation, which is developing a park next door. The existing library, which opened in 1921, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Seattle’s Landmarks Preservation Board voted in December 2001 to designate the branch as a landmark building. The branch is expected to close in late 2003 for the renovation and reopen in the second half of 2004. The books and materials will be carefully packaged and stored during construction.

Value engineering class June 3-6 in Scottsdale

In a joint venture presentation, SAVE International, the professional society for value engineering, with MENG Analysis and D.H. Australia, is offering a 40-hour Module I Value Engineering training workshop June 3-6 in Scottsdale, Ariz.

The training workshop will be conducted in accordance with the standards established by SAVE International for a Module I (40 Hour) course of basic instruction. This course provides basic educational requirements for individuals wishing to pursue certification as a Value Methodology Practitioner, Associate Value Specialist or Certified Value Specialist as well as American Institute of Architects and other continuing education credits for many other professional organizations.

This workshop includes training in both value engineering theory and how to apply it with hands-on experience from real projects.

For more information on SAVE International and to register online for the 40-hour Module I Training, visit www.value-eng.org or call Ashley Carson, project coordinator of MENG Analysis, at (206) 587-3797.