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Federal Way Regional: Monthly Update Archives

May 2008
KCLS is partnering with the Federal Way School District to construct a road between the Library and Panther Lake Elementary School. The two entities also plan to collaborate on water retention issues associated with the project. As part of the design process for the expansion of the Federal Way Regional Library, KCLS held an open house for teens on May 8 to gather input on what they would like to see in the new teen space. KCLS’ designer from Mithun Architects came prepared with images of possible furniture and samples of various fabrics and other finishes. The two-hour event was a great success with nearly 60 teens participating.

April 2008
Design development plans were completed and cost estimates indicate that the project is within budget. The consultants held a pre-application meeting with the Federal Way Building and Community Planning staff to discuss the construction documents and address any regulatory issues.

March 2008
The designs and interior plans for the expanded Library have progressed. The consultant team, led by Mithun Architects, is anticipated to complete design development in March. KCLS staff at the Federal Way libraries is starting to prepare the Federal Way Regional Library to close during the expansion. The closure is anticipated to start in the fall of 2008 and last for nine to twelve months. KCLS plans to deploy cluster staff to the 320th Library, Panther Lake Elementary School Library (evenings and weekends) and a retail location in the Federal Way Commons as well as program sites around the community. Staff is sending books with local importance to the 320th Library so that they will continue to be available to the public. KCLS staff also is developing operations plans for the 320th Library so that it can support more computer users and a higher level of business during the closure of the other library.

February 2008
Mithun Architects presented plans for the expansion and renovation of the library to the Federal Way community and KCLS Board of Trustees during a public meeting at the end of January. The plans include more than 9,000 square feet of new space at the existing 25,000 square foot Library. Design drawings will be finished by the end of May 2008. Providing a temporary site during construction continues to be evaluated. KCLS is looking into a few potential locations proposed by the School District and the City of Federal Way.

January 2008
Mithun Architects is nearing completion of the schematic design plans for the expansion and renovation of the Federal Way Regional Library. The plans will be presented to community members at a public meeting on January 31. To discuss the probability of providing services during the construction process, KCLS staff met with the Federal Way School Superintendent and the Federal Way City Manager. Each offered a possible site that could be used for library services during construction. KCLS staff is now evaluating the feasibility of offering services at either location. 

December 2007
The consultant team continues to work on two different design concepts for the library expansion project. Preliminary cost studies are underway to ensure that both plans are feasible with the funding available for the project. To prepare for any temporary library closures once construction is underway, KCLS staff is currently exploring options for service locations, in addition to the Federal Way 320th Library.

November 2007
The consultant team is still considering two different design concepts for the library expansion. Preliminary cost studies are underway to ensure that both plans are feasible based on available funding for the project. KCLS is following up on leads for a prospective temporary location for service while the library is closed.

October 2007
Mithun Architects was selected to be the library architect. They will be designing the expansion of up to 10,000 sq ft and planning for the renovation of the existing building. A community meeting was held to discuss the alternatives for the design work. This occurred at the Federal Way Regional Library on October 29, 2007.

September 2007
The project plan and budget is being finalized in order for the work to proceed as rapidly as possible.  The public meeting on October 29 is an opportunity for community members to offer input about the design of the new facility.

August 2007
Mithun Architects was hired to plan the library expansion by a panel that included the Friends President, a member of the Federal Way City Council and Board Member Jessica Bonebright. Mithun did a very thorough and creative job of demonstrating how the unique exterior of the building could be brought to bear on the inside of the building while creating more of a presence on the major street that runs in front of this very busy library.

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