Five Plans for the Pasadena Central Library ‹ ColoradoBoulevard.net

Pasadena Central Library (Photo – cityofpasadena.net)

The Pasadena Public Works Department is evaluating five alternatives for repairing the library.

By News Editor

The Central Library, built in 1927, is one of the three pillars of Pasadena’s Civic Center. The City of Pasadena recognizes the importance of restoring the Central Library while preserving its charm, restoring its original character, and bringing it into the 21st century.

Kris Markarian, Acting Director of Public Works, said this undertaking combines historic preservation with necessary seismic adaptations, resulting in a unique space that will meet the needs of both the current community and future generations.

Distinctive architectural features

The library has striking architectural features. The Mediterranean Revival style is evident in the walled entrance with a central fountain, red clay tile roofs, and stucco exterior adorned with cast stone borders. The building was expanded in the mid-1960s to include a children’s area and two reference wings, and was meticulously restored in the late 1980s. The building still retains much of its original 1927 infrastructure, along with several updates and repairs. In May 2021, engineering studies and physical testing revealed conditions that could pose a life-threatening risk during an earthquake. The building is currently closed for use following action by the city’s building official.

Although it has always been the City’s intention to repair the library and return it to service as soon as possible, the Library Design Team explored several alternatives from a historical and cost perspective. These alternatives included 1) demolishing the building and rebuilding the historic library; 2) demolishing the building and constructing a new, modern, central library; 3) preserving the south façade and constructing a new building within that façade; 4) demolishing the building and not replacing it; and 5) “mothballing” the building so that it remains as is without repair, but also without being usable, with a protective fence to keep all people at a safe distance from the building.

The library is one of three major contributing buildings to the Civic Center Historic District, along with City Hall and the Civic Auditorium. The district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the California Register of Historical Resources.

Alternative plans

Alternative 1demolish the existing building and rebuild it to match the existing building in size, character and quality, both inside and out. This would be a 10-12% increase in cost over the cost of repairing the existing building.

Alternative 2demolish the existing building and replace it with a new building of the same size and general configuration as the existing one, but with “modern” materials that are more economical. This would be 1-2% cheaper than repairing the existing building.

Alternative 3keep the south facade, with a new modern building behind it. Retrofitting and stabilizing the south facade, combined with all the costs of the new building, would make this a more expensive alternative than repairing the existing building.

Alternative 4demolish the building and do not replace it. This would be a substantial cost savings, but also a substantial loss of a community asset. Ultimately, a permanent solution would be needed to house the library’s vast collection that is temporarily housed off-site.

Alternative 5a protective fence around the library to keep people out in the event of a collapse. It would be the least expensive option, but like option 4, would result in the significant loss of a common asset. This alternative would diminish the quality of life in Civic Center and ultimately pose a risk to public safety by leaving it as a large, abandoned building in the heart of Pasadena.

For more information about the Central Library renovation and building restoration project, please visit the Central Library renovation and building restoration project page.

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Five Plans for the Pasadena Central Library ‹ ColoradoBoulevard.net

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