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Kenmore: Monthly Update Archives
July 2011
The new Kenmore Library opened on Saturday, July 9, to a crowd of more than 2,000 people. During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, a number of dignitaries addressed the crowd, including KCLS Board Trustee Richard Eadie, Kenmore City Council Member Glenn Rogers and King County Councilmember Bob Ferguson. Once the doors officially opened, attendees toured the library and enjoyed music by Los Flacos. Refreshments were sponsored by the Kenmore Library Association.
June 2011
Construction is nearing completion on the new library, which will open to the community on Saturday, July 9, 9:30am. After a ribbon-cutting ceremony, residents are invited to tour the building and enjoy refreshments and music by Los Flacos.
May 2011
Construction continues on the new library, with a number of projects underway such as installing carpet, cabinets and wood panels and outdoor landscaping. The library will open to the public with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on Saturday, July 9, 9:30am.
April 2011
Construction continues on the new 10,000 square foot library, which is anticipated to open in the summer of 2011.
March 2011
Construction continues on the new library. The roof has been completed and windows were installed. The library is anticipated to open in summer 2011.
February 2011
Construction continues on the new Kenmore Library. The roof is nearing completion and window and skylight framing is underway, with glass to be installed in coming weeks. The brick work on the west side of the building is complete and brick masons are now working on the east side of the building. The Library is anticipated to open in summer 2011.
January 2011
Construction continues on the new Kenmore Library, which is anticipated to open in mid-2011.
Interior stud walls are currently being installed and the brickwork on the exterior of the building has begun. The roof will soon be completed, after a slight delay due to weather conditions.
December 2010
Construction continues on the new 10,000 square foot library and the roof is currently taking shape. The Library is anticipated to open in spring/early summer 2011.
November 2010
Construction continues on the new Kenmore Library, which is anticipated to open in spring/early summer 2011. The past few weeks have seen a dramatic change at the site, with the Library literally taking shape. Concrete was poured for the main floor and work continues on the steel frame.
October 2010
Construction continues on the new library, which is anticipated to open in the spring/early summer of 2011. Concrete was poured for the garage floor, which will soon be covered with a framework to support the concrete pour for the library floor.
September 2010
Construction work continues on the new Kenmore Library. The main concrete building walls are nearing completion and work on the garage floor will soon commence. The Library is expected to open in the spring/early summer of 2011.
August 2010
Construction work continues on the new Kenmore Library. The footings for the building walls were recently installed and walls will soon be constructed. The Library is expected to open in the spring of 2011.
July 2010
In June, contractors started construction work on the new 10,000 square foot Kenmore Library. The new facility is anticipated to open to the public in the summer of 2011.
June 2010
More than 150 community members attended a groundbreaking on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 8 at the site of the new library. The vacated building, which previously housed several small businesses and the United States Postal Service, has been demolished and construction is under way on the new 10,000 square foot library.
May 2010
Planning for construction of the new library has been underway since the beginning of the year and final negotiations are in progress. The United States Postal Service (USPS) opened in its new location on April 26. Abatement work is currently underway at the vacated building, which will be turned over to the Northshore Fire Department for training purposes on Memorial Day weekend. A groundbreaking event to celebrate the start of construction is set for Tuesday, June 8, 3:15pm.
April 2010
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has relocated and will be opening in a new location on Monday, April 26, 2010. Once the USPS relocates, KCLS will take possession of the vacated building. After the building undergoes asbestos abatement, KCLS has agreed to allow the Northshore Fire Department to use the building for training exercises prior to demolition. A groundbreaking event to celebrate the start of construction is set for Tuesday, June 8, 3:15pm. Learn more
March 2010
Library construction continues to be on hold until the United States Postal Service (USPS) relocates to its new location at the former Kenmore City Hall. KCLS is optimistic that the Post Office will relocate by the end of April, at which time the Library project can get underway. During the past month, KCLS has worked with the City of Kenmore to complete project mitigations, such as the undergrounding of utilities on 181st Street.
January 2010
Construction of the new Library remains on hold until the United States Postal Service (USPS) office relocates. The new post office space is under construction and they anticipate moving into the new space in mid-April 2010. The KCLS contractor will then be able to start work on the new Kenmore Library and a groundbreaking event will be scheduled. Construction of the new library will take approximately one year.
December 2009
Bids for the construction of the new Kenmore Library opened on October 8 and the low bid contractor is now working to finalize contracts, bonds and other details. KCLS is cooperating with the City of Kenmore to relocate the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) from the Library site to the former City Hall site on 181st Street.
November 2009
KCLS continues to work with the City of Kenmore to relocate the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) from the site of the new Library to the former City Hall on 181st Street. The low bid contractor is currently working to finalize contracts and other details in preparation for construction to start as soon as January 2010.
October 2009
The City of Kenmore continues to assist with KCLS’ effort to relocate the Kenmore Post Office to make way for the new Kenmore Library. The City previously moved out of the former City Hall to allow the Post Office to move in. The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has identified a cost range for relocation, which KCLS agreed to cover. The contractor for the new Library may be able to start demolition next month if everything goes accordingly. Twenty-two bids on the project were received in October, all of which were considerably below the amount KCLS had budgeted for construction.
September 2009
The Kenmore Library plans and specifications were published for qualified general contractors to prepare bids, which are due on October 8, 2009. In the meantime, the City of Kenmore has signed a lease for an interim City Hall location that will enable the City to move out of the current City Hall in late October. The City is moving in order to make way for the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), which is working with an architect and contractor to develop plans to relocate the Kenmore Post Office from the Library site to the current City Hall.
August 2009
Weinstein A/U Architects is preparing the final documents for bidding the new Library project. The plan is to issue a bid package in late August. Building plans were submitted to the City of Kenmore for review and comments. The City of Kenmore has agreed to lease the current City Hall building to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). KCLS hopes to help facilitate the move by covering most, if not all, of the costs. Since the postal service’s lease starts on October 1, KCLS will have enough time to bid the Library project and begin construction in fall 2009.
July 2009
Building plans were submitted to the City of Kenmore for review and Weinstein AU architects are preparing the final documents necessary for bidding the new Library project. KCLS hopes to have a building permit by September 2009. Meanwhile, the City of Kenmore has taken the lead on relocating the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and is negotiating a Letter of Intent for the terms of a new lease. The USPS will soon let KCLS and the City know what tenant improvements are needed to relocate the Post Office to the current City Hall. KCLS has agreed to support some or all of the cost. On another front, the City has agreed to an Interlocal Agreement with KCLS to work cooperatively to expand the frontage improvements on 181st Street and to provide a fire hydrant on the SR 522 frontage.
June 2009
The consultant team filed the building permit set of drawings with the City early in June. When the City of Kenmore learned that the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) was planning to consolidate its Kenmore Office with the Bothell Post Office, the City Manager and Mayor went to Washington D.C. to meet with USPS officials and staff from the Washington State Congressional and Senate delegations. The City Manager and Mayor encouraged those they met with to keep the Post Office in Kenmore and USPS officials agreed to investigate continuing services in the building that is currently being used by Kenmore as the City Hall. As part of the process, KCLS reiterated its commitment to the USPS to financially assist with the relocation and any difference in rent during the remaining term of the lease. The USPS reacted favorably to KCLS’ offer as well as an offer by the City to make the relocation work. They will assess the costs involved in the move and provide more information in the next few weeks.
May 2009
As the Kenmore Library project has progressed, KCLS has always assumed that the Kenmore Post Office would relocate to the center of the City. Recently, City officials became alarmed that the Kenmore Post Office may consolidate with the Bothell Post Office and move out of Kenmore entirely. KCLS has joined the City and many others in the community to ask our Congressional delegation to advocate for the Post Office to remain in Kenmore. The City has agreed to lease the Post Office its temporary City Hall building and KCLS is still committed to covering the cost of the relocation. It looks like a decision will be made in the next month. In the meantime, the Post Office will move out of the property owned by KCLS in time for construction on the new Library to start this year. The application and plans for a building permit will be submitted by the end of May. In addition, it now appears that all of the arrangements with neighboring businesses for construction easements and other issues are soon to be in place. The City has been very cooperative in the process by including site work for the new Library in road construction adjacent to the site. KCLS consultants are continuing work on the drawings and specifications for the project. It is KCLS’ goal to start construction as soon as the building is available for demolition.
April 2009
KCLS was informed that the U.S. Postal Service is looking for an alternative site for the Kenmore Post Office with the intention of relocating within the year. The City is working to assist in the relocation process. KCLS consultants continue to work on the drawings and specifications for the Library project, with the goal of starting construction as soon as the building is vacant and able to be demolished.
March 2009
The U.S. Postal Service is negotiating with the City of Kenmore and Urban Partners on a site to relocate the Kenmore Post Office. KCLS has offered to assist the Post Office and the City during the process. In the meantime, KCLS is continuing design work on the new Library and anticipates submitting a building permit in June. KCLS hopes to bid the project in early May, assuming the Post Office is relocated by that time.
February 2009
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Site Review Team is considering options for a new location in Kenmore, but KCLS has not yet received an official update. Meanwhile, the consultant team is working to complete the Commercial Site Permit Application for the project. If USPS postpones relocation, the project may go on hold until the lease with USPS expires in mid-2011.
January 2009
Officials from the U.S. Postal Service’s (USPS) Real Estate division in Denver visited Kenmore with the KCLS staff to review possible relocation sites on January 27. If USPS agrees to relocate to any of the sites, KCLS believes the project can get back on track and construction could start this year. Meanwhile, the project team is working to complete the Commercial Site Permit Application.
December 2008
The project is delayed while the adjoining property owners determine whether
the easements that KCLS has recommended are acceptable. The Commercial Site Development
Permit is pending with the City of Kenmore Planning Department. Regarding the
U.S. Postal Service (USPS) relocation, KCLS contacted Congressman Jay Inslee’s
staff to see if they can encourage the USPS to relocate. Inslee’s staff
members suggested that KCLS contact Senator Patty Murray’s staff in this
effort since she is familiar with the area and may be in a good position in the
new congressional structure to exert some influence. The project may possibly
be on hold until the Postal Service’s lease is up in June 2011. Post Office Relocation Delays New Kenmore Library.
November 2008
Two weeks before a scheduled visit by officials from the U.S. Postal Service
(USPS) to investigate alternative sites for the Kenmore Post Office, KCLS received
notice that the trip was cancelled due to budget concerns. Although the project
would not require new construction and all expenses of the move would be covered
by KCLS, USPS still considers the relocation a new construction project. USPS
indicated that the move may be reconsidered next year. KCLS hopes to have the
post office relocated by early 2009 so that construction may begin on the new
Kenmore Library by mid-2009. KCLS is in touch with Congressman Jay Inslee’s
office to see if something can be done to expedite the process. Otherwise, the
project will be on hold until the lease is up in June 2011.
October 2008
The project is still on hold while the adjoining property owners determine
if the easements KCLS recommended are acceptable. The Commercial Site Development
Permit is pending with the City of Kenmore Planning Department. KCLS previously
sent two alternative property proposals for the U.S. Postal Service to
review as possible relocation sites. The review phase is anticipated to take
more than a month.
September 2008
The project is on hold while the adjoining property owners determine
if the easements that KCLS has recommended are acceptable. The easements are
necessary from the neighboring property owners before construction begins. The
Commercial Site Development Permit is pending with the City of Kenmore Planning
Department. Regarding the relocation of the U.S. Postal Service, KCLS officials
sent two alternative property proposals for them to review. The review phase
is anticipated to take at least one month.
August 2008
The Notice of Application for the commercial site development permit was posted
by the City of Kenmore Planning Department. Negotiations continue with neighboring
property owners for construction easements that are necessary before construction
begins. There was a good turnout at a public meeting in Kenmore on July 20
regarding the relocation of the Post Office. Following the meeting, KCLS sent
the Post Office officials a list of suitable alternative sites, including the
current Kenmore Library, which could be made available to the Post Office as
a long-term lease.
July 2008
A public meeting regarding the Postal Station relocation in Kenmore is set for
July 30, 2008 at 6:30pm, in the Northshore Utilities District meeting room. The
Mayor of Kenmore, David Baker, and the USPS representative, Robert C. Montgomery,
will both be in attendance. KCLS representatives and the library architect also
will attend to moderate the meeting. The project consultants anticipate submitting
the library project designs and plans to the City for review in August 2008.
June 2008
The design process for the new Kenmore Library has progressed and construction
may begin early next year. However, this is still dependent on the relocation
of the Postal Station that is currently located at the site of the new Library.
Although two public meetings were previous held, KCLS is now scheduling a third
public meeting to specifically discuss the Postal Station relocation, which
may delay the process.
May 2008
KCLS received notice from the U.S. Postal Service that a Facilities
Project Coordinator has been assigned to work on the relocation of the Kenmore
Post Office. The consultant team for the Library is working to complete the design
development plans and specifications. A pre-submittal conference was held with
a representative from the City of Kenmore to anticipate design work and planning
that needs to be completed for the commercial site development application. The
10,000-squeare-foot Library and parking plans will be reviewed to ensure that
the work is within allocated funding.
April 2008
A public meeting to present the designs for the new Kenmore Library
to the community was well-attended on March 5. The architects are completing
design development plans and specifications for the new library. A pre-submittal
conference was held with representatives of the City of Kenmore to discuss
design work and planning that needs to be completed before a building permit
can be issued. KCLS received notice that the U.S. Postal Service will officially
start the process for relocating the Kenmore Post Office. The Post Office will
assign staff from its Real Estate Division to begin working on the project
in July. This should allow KCLS to move through the design process and start
construction as soon as a building permit is secured from the City of Kenmore.
March 2008
A public meeting to present the designs for the new Kenmore Library to the community
was well-attended on March 5. KCLS and the consultant team will soon be submitting
a site development plan to the City of Kenmore for review and permitting. It
is anticipated that the development permit and building permit will be obtained
by spring of 2009. KCLS received notice that the U.S. Postal Service will officially
start the process for relocating the Kenmore Post Office. The Post Office will
assign staff from its Real Estate Division to begin working on the project
in July. This should allow KCLS to move through the design process and start
construction as soon as a building permit is secured from the City of Kenmore.
February 2008
KCLS staff has been working with the team from Weinstein AU Architects to develop
the design for the new Library. A public meeting is scheduled for March 5,
which will allow the community to provide input on the project. Detailed planning
for the interior space has been progressing rapidly along with the architectural
design. KCLS is still waiting to hear from the U.S. Postal Service regarding
the schedule for relocating the post office. KCLS has requested that the relocation
be expedited to allow for an earlier construction start date.
January 2008
KCLS staff has been working with the project architects to complete the site
plan, which will include access for vehicles and pedestrians as well as below-ground
parking. The U.S. Postal Service is expected to notify KCLS in February about
the schedule for relocating the post office. We have requested that the relocation
be expedited in order to allow for an earlier construction start date.
December 2007
KCLS continues to wait until January to find out if the U.S.
Postal Service will relocate the Kenmore Post Office at an earlier date
than the end of their lease. Work continues on the site planning for the
new library and related legal documents.
November 2007
KCLS received notice that the U.S. Postal Service will reconsider relocating the Kenmore Post Office at an earlier date than the end of their lease. The Postal Service’s Capital Investments Coordinating Committee has the authority to reconsider the project in their 2008 work plans. KCLS will wait until January for a decision before further pursuing an appeal process. Work continues on the site planning for the new library.
October 2007
KCLS staff received a letter from the Kenmore City Council requesting that KCLS partner with the City on their new City Hall. The City has already purchased land just north of the Town Center area. Since the City has been participating in our efforts to relocate the Post Office from the building that KCLS purchased for a new library, their request to locate the library in an entirely different area of the City was unanticipated. In the meantime, Post Office officials indicate they may include the relocation of the Kenmore Post Office in their 2008 work plan. The Board passed a motion to continue the project and maintain the pace of development and contracting at the current site, and has asked city of Kenmore officials if their proposal could be considered a “Plan B.”
September 2007
Weinstein AU and KCLS have arranged for the design work to commence on the new library project. KCLS staff is working with the US Postal Service to relocate the Post Office to a comparable location in Kenmore and has offered to help the Post Office find another site, cover their cost of relocation and cover the difference in the lease payments through the term of the current lease (June 2011). Despite these efforts, earlier this month we learned that the Post Office had decided not to include the Kenmore relocation in their 2008 work plan. We have started the formal process to appeal this decision, enlisting the help of city, local and state officials.
August 2007
More than 75 local residents participated in a community meeting held on June
18, which featured a presentation by Weinstein Architects of the new 10,000-square-foot
library with structured parking for about 30 vehicles. The design work will continue
as KCLS staff works with the US Postal Service (USPS) in an attempt to relocate
the Post Office to a comparable location in Kenmore. The USPS has a public process
to ensure that the community is informed and to allow all possible locations
to be presented for consideration.
July 2007
The new 10,000-square-foot library will require structured parking for approximately
30 vehicles. Design work continues while KCLS staff coordinates with the US Postal
Service (USPS), in an attempt to relocate the Kenmore Post Office to a comparable
location. The USPS has a public process to ensure that the community is informed
and all possible locations are considered.
June 2007
Weinstein Architects, chosen earlier this year to provide the architectural
and engineering services for the new library, began a conceptual design study
of the site as a first step in planning the new facility on NE 181st Street.
A successful public meeting was held in this community June 19 to solicit initial
input on the design of the new library. Nearly 70 people attended, including
all of the new Library Advisory Board members and three City Council members.
Based on some of the strategies for dealing with the Capital Budget, KCLS gave
the architects a preliminary budget that would allow for the full 10,000 square
foot library with structured parking below. Before the plans are finalized,
the budget will be presented to the KCLS Board of Trustees for approval. KCLS
has also contacted the U.S. Postal Service’s Facilities Service Operation
in Denver, which will coordinate the required relocation of the post office
prior to the current lease expiration. The Postal Service staff will provide
public notice prior to any relocation decision.
May 2007
Weinstein Architects was chosen earlier this year to provide the
architectural and engineering services for the new library. Weinstein Architects
began a conceptual design study of the site as a first step in planning the
new facility on the NE 181st Street. A community meeting has been scheduled
to keep residents informed of the progress on June 19, 6:30–8pm at
the Northshore Utility District offices.
Weinstein Architects will present early conceptual ideas to the KCLS Board
in May. KCLS has a contact with the Facilities Service Operation of the U.S.
Postal Service (Denver), which will provide support for the relocating the
Kenmore Post Office prior to the current lease expiration. They will provide
public notice and will accept suggestions, proposals and comments from area
residents regarding alternative locations.
April 2007
Weinstein Architects was chosen earlier this year to provide the architectural
and engineering services for the new Kenmore Library and parking. Weinstein
A/U will begin a conceptual design study of the site as a first step in planning
the new facility at NE 181st Street. Community meetings will be scheduled to
keep residents informed of the progress. The Post Office, however, still occupies
the current building. Initial contacts with Post Office officials led us to
believe that the process for relocation would take up to two years. Given that
the Post Office is not opposed to relocating and KCLS is willing to cover the
costs of moving and any increases in lease payments for the term of the existing
lease, we hope the process can be accelerated in order to complete design and
permitting within the next year. If we have to wait for the Post Office move,
it could increase the cost of the project by 8-10% annually.
March 2007
KCLS finalized the purchase of the site, located between 65th and 68th with frontage on 181st, for the new library on March 12, 2007. The parcel includes three lots, one of which has a three-story building with multiple tenants including the U.S. Post Office (who will remain in the building for the next few months). KCLS is in contact with the U.S. Post Office about relocating their Kenmore branch from the property we purchased. About 1,900-square-feet is required to meet the current service level with convenience parking and accessible entrance. Weinstein AU was selected as the architect for the project and will begin to review the site and the City of Kenmore’s requirements. Staff is arranging to hold the first public meeting regarding the design of the new library in May.
February 2007
KCLS has notified the seller that the purchase and sale agreement will be finalized by the end of February. Environmental testing will be combined with other geotechnical studies following architect selection. KCLS will assume the leases for the current occupants of the building including the U.S. Post Office and several small businesses. On February 23, KCLS selected architects for the Kenmore Library project. Representatives from the City of Kenmore and a citizen representative were included on the selection panel with KCLS Board and staff. With the selection of the architect imminent, we hope to begin the design work immediately while working with the U.S. Postal Service to find a suitable home in the vicinity.
January 2007
An environmental analysis and survey were completed for the proposed site, indicating that there’s a dry cleaning operation near the site currently under site remediation and monitoring. KCLS’ attorneys advised that KCLS conduct a soil study to determine if there are contaminates on our site. In addition, it has been recommended that KCLS work with the adjoining parcel owners to improve the easement language on the Title Report to ensure access for the new development.
Architect submittals have been received for these new projects. Interviews are anticipated in February.
December 2006
The future site of the Kenmore Library on 181st is nearing the final stage of due diligence. A survey of the site and the building should be completed by year end. The purchase and sale agreement provides for closing before the end of February. After the Board approved the site for the new Kenmore Library, staff met with officials from the U.S. Postal Service who have assured us that they will continue to function in Kenmore. They explained that they would be willing to relocate if KCLS ensures that their rental costs are the same and that KCLS covers relocation expenses. KCLS staff has identified at least one possible nearby site that may be available soon. The City of Kenmore has also suggested the new Town Center, a project being managed by Urban Partners, might also accommodate a post office facility. In any case, the Post Office’s occupancy should not be an impediment to the development of a new library.
KCLS will select the architects for the Kenmore and Sammamish libraries at the same time, as we did with the Newcastle and Duvall libraries. A call for proposals was made and submittals are due in January. Since there has been great interest in both of these projects, KCLS plans to work with the local Friends of the Library to advertise for residents to serve on the architect selection teams. Each City will have a team that includes a representative of the City, a representative from the Friends, another community member, a KCLS staff member and a KCLS Trustee.
November 2006
After several months of seeking an appropriate and affordable site for the new Kenmore Library, a public meeting was held to review the best three alternatives. Following the public meeting in Kenmore, KCLS staff met with City officials to review three site options for the new Kenmore Library. The City has not settled on a location for its City Hall, but the developer of the Town Center has encouraged both KCLS and the City to locate across the street from their project on a site which currently houses the Kenmore Post Office. The site of the current Kenmore Fire Station is not yet for sale and KCLS has not yet obtained a commitment from the developer of the LakePointe Mixed Use Development to co-develop. Given the community’s overall urgency for the new library and improved prospects for dealing with the post office’s long term lease, staff will recommend that KCLS acquire the site currently leased to the Kenmore post office and begin designing the new library. "
October 2006
KCLS held a public meeting on October 18, 2006 to discuss three possible sites for the new Kenmore Library. The site of the current Kenmore Fire Station is not yet for sale. The price for the second site, part of the LakePointe Mixed Use Development is still unknown and there is uncertainty about what types of co-development the owner would prefer for that site. KCLS does have a 90 day contract on the third parcel, currently leased to the Kenmore post office through 2011. Although the meeting had a fairly small turnout, participants were engaged in discussing the merits and issues of each site. The community’s overall sense was that timing was the overriding issue - they want a new library as soon as possible. Community members also suggested that KCLS continue talking with the City to consider a joint Library/City Hall. KCLS will follow-up on all three sites to clarify the costs, availability and co-development issues. Since the meeting, there has not been any further input on other viable sites in Kenmore.
October 2006
Kenmore Library Feasibility Study
Commentary from the Site Selection Meeting for the Kenmore Library
September 2006
The search for property continues in Kenmore. KCLS has a signed Purchase & Sale agreement for a parcel located on 181st Street - presently home to multiple tenants including the Kenmore Post Office. KCLS has 90 days to conduct a due diligence review of the site. During this time, KCLS will conduct a public meeting to review site alternatives and hold discussions about the Site Selection Criteria. Other sites are being evaluated as they are brought to our attention.
August 2006
KCLS does not have an option or contract for property for the new/expanded library in Kenmore. Pacific Real Estate Partners has delivered purchase and sales agreements to several property owners in the City of Kenmore. Staff had hoped to line up three possibilities to present to community members; however, one site was unacceptable because it would have right turn only access to Bothell Way. The other sites KCLS has made offers on have been stalled because the owners received informal offers that are potentially higher than ours. There are a few other sites that have been informally evaluated. These sites are still being considered for feasibility, but are quite expensive and do not meet our site selection criteria as well as the others. As a result of the fact that there are no viable alternatives to present, a public meeting has not been planned at this time. If KCLS is able to obtain signed agreements on one or more parcels, KCLS will study the sites with an architect, rate them based on KCLS’ Site Selection Criteria and hold a public meeting to review the site alternatives.
July 2006
Pacific Real Estate Partners has delivered purchase and sales agreements to four property owners in the City. Due diligence time periods will run for at least 90 days following the signing of these agreements, during which KCLS will hold a public meeting to review the site alternatives with the community in late August or September. KCLS has sought site alternatives in an effort to address the concerns raised by the Kenmore City Council. In fact, some of the site possibilities have been recommended by individual Councilmembers.
June 2006
Last month, the Board heard from David Baker, Deputy Mayor of Kenmore who presented a letter on behalf of the Kenmore City Council expressing concern about the site KCLS is pursuing for a new Kenmore Library on State Route 522. That same letter indicated that the City of Kenmore was not interested in co-locating a City Hall on that site. KCLS has not obtained a formal option on that site, although we are working towards submitting a purchase and sale agreement to the owners of the Shell Oil Station. We’ve requested a long due diligence time allowance to work out contamination remediation plans and projected expenses on the site. KCLS is keeping its options open for other sites on the State Route 522 corridor. In fact, last week, another site less than a block away from the Shell Gas Station, became available. KCLS is pursuing that location as well.
Urban Partners, the developer of the City Town Center, has expressed support for the Shell Gas Station site, or any site, that helps to improve the frontage on State Route 522. KCLS asked them about the possibility of considering the library within that development. There is also interest in finding an alternative site on 68th Avenue.
In response to advice from the Friends of the Kenmore Library, KCLS intends to hold a public meeting to discuss the alternatives.
May 2006
KCLS received notice that the Shell Oil Company will not be purchasing the property at this time on State Route 522. KCLS will begin negotiating the Purchase and Sale Agreement for this parcel.
April 2006
Notice of KCLS’ intent to acquire the site located on State Route 522 and currently used by Shell Oil was given on or about April 1, 2006. The current lease provides notification of a willing and able buyer proposal. Shell Oil has 30 days to offer to purchase the land on the same terms and conditions.
KCLS will confirm if Shell Oil will buy the property of its station on State Route 522 at the end of the month. The site is adjacent to the property owned by the City of Kenmore which is going through a process similar to Burien. The two finalists for this work have told KCLS that they think it is worthwhile for the library to pursue the site on State Route 522 as it could open up development to the highly-traveled thoroughfare.
March 2006
KCLS is awaiting word form the sellers that the right of refusal time clock has begun with Shell Oil. The lease provides for notification and a 30-day time period for Shell Oil to offer to purchase the land.
February 2006
The owners of the Shell Oil property recently reestablished communications with KCLS’ agent regarding our last offer. KCLS is again considering pursuit of this acquisition. Staff at the City of Kenmore has indicated a willingness to either ensure KCLS’ inclusion in Kenmore’s redevelopment plans or to cooperate with KCLS in the event we purchase nearby. There is a good deal of enthusiasm for KCLS to get the best possible site.
January 2006
Following months of discussion and letters of intent, the owners of the Shell Oil Station decided not to accept the last offer made on behalf of KCLS. We are currently following up on previous discussion with City representatives about participating in the redevelopment project in Kenmore. KCLS is also continuing to investigate other properties that front Bothell Highway.
October 2005
Site acquisition activity has been slowly developing. The representative of the owner is now considering requesting a waiver from the gas station owner/operator to allow KCLS to perform due diligence for the environmental analysis.
September 2005
Site selection has temporarily stalled due to scheduling conflicts with the owners of the properties KCLS is most interested in acquiring. In addition, the seller’s representative is demanding a Purchase and Sale Agreement prior to further discussions. We have presented a Letter of Intent, which was responded to by challenges on the environmental due diligence. KCLS’ attorney from Preston Gates and Ellis will discuss the issues with the seller’s attorney and advise KCLS on next steps.
August 2005
Site selection for the new library has temporarily stalled due to scheduling conflicts with the owners of the properties KCLS is most interested in acquiring.
July 2005
Site selection has been temporarily stalled due to scheduling conflicts with the owners of the properties KCLS is most interested in acquiring.
June 2005
Pacific Real Estate Partners continues to discuss the terms and conditions of potential land acquisition with parcel owners to obtain agreements on the letters of intent.
May 2005
During May, Pacific Real Estate Partners representatives prepared a letter of intent for the owner of the property currently leased to the Shell Oil Company and located on Highway 522. A letter of intent to purchase was sent to the owners of Kenmore Camera. KCLS must have both of these properties to build a 10,000-square-foot library and parking at this location.
April 2005
Pacific Real Estate Partners discussed purchasing the Shell Station on the Bothell-Everett Highway with the representative of the owner. The initial asking price was higher than budgeted. KCLS continues to explore alternatives and/or strategies for acquiring this site. The City of Kenmore has also embarked on a development plan similar to the City of Burien. They are soliciting proposals from developers and continue to mention the library as a potential occupant of the revitalized town center.
March 2005
During March, Pacific Real Estate Partners representatives initiated discussions with the attorney for the owners of the Shell Oil Company station site located on Highway 522 in Kenmore. Discussions were also held with the Kenmore Camera owner to work towards a suitable relocation for him. KCLS would require both of these properties to provide a 10,000-square-foot library at this location. On February 14, KCLS presented the results of the survey of available properties that meet site selection guidelines.
February 2005
During February, real estate professionals from Pacific Real Estate Partners have identified sites that may be available on Bothell Highway. On February 14, KCLS will present these options to the City Council in an Executive Session and discuss the criteria for locating libraries.
January 2005
Real estate consultants were selected to explore the availability of properties in the Kenmore area. Preliminary reports were reviewed and direction provided to focus the search for property.
Last Updated: September 1, 2011
