Title
Heritage Review Committee- Consultation for Carnegie Library Proposal
Recommended Action
No action requested. Informational only.
Report
Issue:
Whether to support the proposed design for the Carnegie Whiskey Library project.
Staff Contact:
Brittany Gillia, Historic Preservation Officer, Community Planning and Economic Development Department, 360.753.8427
Presenter(s):
Wade Stine, Project Manager, Thomas Architecture Studios
Background and Analysis:
The Carnegie Library, located at 620 Franklin St SE, was built in 1914 and is a historic structure recognized on the Federal, State, and Local levels. The structure began as a library and has gone through several changes of use through the years. The project proposes transforming the use of the building into a whiskey library, with whiskey lounges and bars throughout the building. The lower level will include accessible entries, a conference room, and member-only lounge areas. The upper level will be open to all guests.
The scope of work includes restoring original wainscotting, flooring, and other preserved interior details. New work will include interior finishes such as paint, wallpaper, and installing a mix of built-in and freestanding furniture. A contemporary addition on the upper level will feature an outdoor terrace, elevator, accessible restrooms, and an interior exit stair. The addition will be located above the 1950 addition and will contrast with the 1914 architecture.
Exterior preservation work will retain original building elements, including the reintroduction of light post fixtures as seen in historic photos and the restoration of original windows- protected with storm windows if needed. Site improvements will include landscaping, pavement replacement or addition, restriping parking stalls, grading for accessible access, installing a main entry waiting bench, adding wall mounted signs on the west and south facades, and preserving the original “Public Library” sign in its existing location above the entry.
Climate Analysis:
The greenest building is the one that is already built. Following the NPS guidelines encourages repair of historic material as much as possible, which reduces the introduction of more waste to landfills. If repair is not feasible, use of historic, often natural, locally sourced materials, is then encouraged, which reduces environmental impacts of the work. Replacing and renovating the historic architectural features will provide an opportunity for the structure to be more energy efficient, while still maintaining the quality of design and its historic nature.
Equity Analysis:
The Olympia Heritage Commission is dedicated to improving the education and outreach opportunities to underrepresented communities. Every listing to the Olympia Heritage Register, Special Property Tax Valuation application, and design review project, is an opportunity for education and outreach.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Olympia Downtown Historic District
1. Options:
Discuss the proposal and draft a memo of concurrence for the applicant to use in their permitting process
2. Discuss the proposal and propose updates and recommendations to the design
3. Do not discuss the proposal
Financial Impact:
N/A
Attachments:
Plan Set
Historic Property Inventory Report