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Vashon: Monthly Update Archives
April 2013
Construction work is underway and current site work includes continuing to form the footings and installing rebar for foundation walls. During construction, a temporary library site is available. Learn more.
March 2013
Construction work is underway on the library expansion project. Current site work includes footing formwork and installing rebar for foundation walls. During construction, a temporary library site is available.
February 2013
The library closed in early February for construction of the expanded library. During construction, a temporary library site is available.
January 2013
The permit has been approved for the library expansion project, which will bring the 6,000 square foot building to 10,000 square feet. Construction bids were received in late December and Beisley Construction was awarded the contract. Construction will start in February and a temporary library site will provide limited services.
December 2012
The project is still in permit review with King County. Bids were due in late December and the project will soon be awarded to a contractor.
November 2012
The permit review process with King County continues and the project is currently out to bid. A temporary site at Vashon Plaza is being remodeled in preparation for when construction work is underway.
October 2012
The permit review process with King County continues. Meanwhile, a temporary site at Vashon Plaza is being remodeled in preparation for when construction work is underway.
September 2012
The project continues to be in permit review with King County. A temporary site at Vashon Plaza has been secured and is being remodeled in preparation for when construction work is underway.
August 2012
The project is still in permit review with King County. A temporary site at Vashon Plaza has been secured and is being remodeled in preparation for when construction work is underway.
July 2012
The permit review process continues with King County and KCLS anticipates receiving a building permit in summer 2012. A temporary site at Vashon Plaza has been secured and remodeled in preparation for when the construction work is underway.
June 2012
KCLS' consultants have re-submitted the permit package after addressing the comments received during the review. KCLS anticipates the permit will be ready in Summer 2012, at which time the bid package will be issued. KCLS has secured a location at Vashon Plaza to provide temporary library services during construction.
May 2012
KCLS' consultants have re-submitted the permit package after addressing the comments received during the review. KCLS anticipates the permit will be ready in June 2012, at which time the bid package will be issued. KCLS has secured a location at Vashon Plaza to provide temporary library services during construction. Â
April 2012
Progress continues on the planning process. KCLS' consultants re-submitted the permit package after addressing comments from the King County Department of Development & Environmental Services (DDES). KCLS anticipates the permit will be ready by May or June 2012, at which time the bid package will be issued. Work is underway to secure a location for temporary library services during construction.
March 2012
Progress continues on the planning process for the expanded library. KCLS' consultants resubmitted the permit package after addressing comments from the King County Department of Development & Environment Services (DDES). It is anticipated that the permit will be ready by May or June 2012. KCLS will issue the bid package when the permit review is complete.
February 2012
Progress continues on the planning process for the expanded library. KCLS' consultants resubmitted the permit package after addressing comments from the King County Department of Development & Environment Services (DDES). It is anticipated that the permit will be ready by Summer 2012. KCLS will issue the Bid Package when the permit review is complete.
January 2012
Progress continues on the planning process for the expanded Vashon Library. The permit submittal package was recently accepted as complete by the King County Department of Development & Environmental Services (DDES). The review process may take 4-6 months, depending on responses and questions. In the meantime, KCLS and the project consultants will finalize the interior design and furniture selections.
December 2011
Progress continues on the planning process for the expanded Vashon Library. KCLS and the project consultants are working to finalize the interior design and furniture selection. The Permit submittal package was recently accepted as complete by the King County Department of Development & Environmental Services (DDES) and the review process may take 4-6 months.
November 2011
Progress continues to be made on the planning process for the expanded Vashon Library. The permit submittal package was finally accepted as complete by the King County Department of Development and Environmental Services. The review process could take 4-6 months, depending on responses and questions. In the meantime, KCLS and the project consultants will finalize the interior design and furniture selections.
October 2011
The planning process for the expanded Vashon Library continues. The Permit Submittal package has been finalized and is being submitted. The King County Department of Development and Environmental Services has indicated that the review process may take 4-6 months, depending on questions and responses.
September 2011
Progress continues on planning for the expanded Vashon Library. The project team is working on finalizing the permit submittal. The site plan will be reviewed by the Vashon Park District for storm water drainage and other related site codes required by King County.
August 2011
Progress continues on planning for the expanded Vashon Library. The project team is working on finalizing the drawings and specifications to submit for permit review.
July 2011
Progress continues on planning for the expanded Vashon Library. KCLS met with King County Department of Development & Environmental Services staff to review plans for frontage redevelopment, after recently learning that urban frontage improvements are required on the length of Ober Park along Vashon Highway. The County will allow the new sidewalk width to be modified to avoid berms and tree roots. KCLS' consultants are completing the drawings and specifications to submit for permit review.
June 2011
The planning process continues for the expanded Vashon Library. KCLS and the Vashon Park District are currently considering responses to King County Department of Development and Environmental Services' report requiring urban frontage improvements on the entire length of Ober Park along Vashon Highway.
May 2011
After KCLS submitted documents to King County to determine the permit requirements for the renovation and expansion project at the existing Vashon Library, the county notified KCLS of the existence of a deed restricting development on Ober Park, where the library is located, as well as a requirement to replace sidewalks and curbs along the Vashon Highway. KCLS is currently discussing both of these issues with the Vashon Park District. Â
April 2011
KCLS is working with King County to determine the permit requirements for the project, which will expand the existing Vashon Library to a total of 10,000 square feet.
March 2011
Design development has been completed for the expanded library project and the cost estimate is within the allocated project budget. KCLS and the architect team will now coordinate with King County to determine the permit requirements.
February 2011
KCLS’ project consultants continue to work on design development plans for the expanded library project. A cost estimate will soon be received.
January 2011
The project architects continue to refine the schematic design plans and anticipate finalizing them in early 2011. The schematic design documents are available below:
December 2010
The design consultants continue to refine the schematic designs to ensure that the project can be completed within budget. The design plans and current cost estimate were presented at the December KCLS Board of Trustees meeting and are available below.
View the schematic design documents from the project architects:
November 2010
The Vashon Park Board commissioners had an opportunity to review the proposed site boundaries and plans for the expanded Library at their November meeting. KCLS' architect team is working to finalize the Schematic Design with a cost estimate anticipated by the end of November.Â
View the schematic design documents from the project architects:
October 2010
A public meeting was held on October 7, 2010 to present schematic designs for the library expansion project. Comments from the public were generally positive and numerous written comments were received. The Vashon Park Board will review the plans at a meeting in November.
View the Vashon Presentation Drawings for the Vashon Library expansion project, which were presented by the architects at a public meeting on October 7, 2010
September 2010
The consultant team continues to work on schematic designs for the library expansion project. A public meeting to review the designs is scheduled for October 7. An additional meeting with the Vashon Park District Board will be scheduled in November 2010.
August 2010
The consultant team continues to work on schematic designs. A public meeting to review the designs will be scheduled for September 2010 and an additional meeting with the Vashon Park District Board will be scheduled for October 2010.
July 2010
The consultant team is working on schematic design sketches. Meetings with Vashon Park District officials will be held to discuss site plans for the park property, on which the library is located.
June 2010
Work continues to progress on the interior layout design of the expanded Vashon Library. The consultant team is identifying areas in the existing building that may require repair or replacement during the remodel and expansion project.
May 2010
A meeting with the Vashon Park District Board was held on April 13 to discuss site development issues regarding the renovation and expansion of the existing Vashon Library. KCLS and architects from Bohlin Cywinski Jackson presented three alternative plans for the Library expansion at a public open house on April 15.
April 2010
A meeting with the Vashon Park District Board was held on April 13 to discuss site development issues regarding the renovation and expansion of the existing Vashon Library. KCLS staff and architects from Bohlen Cywinski Jackson presented three alternative plans for the Library expansion at a public open house on April 15.
March 2010
KCLS staff met with the consultant team to update them on site planning needs and expectations regarding the renovation and expansion work for Vashon Library. A public meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 15, 6pm with the Vashon Park District Board.
February 2010
Details continue to be determined for the Vashon Library expansion project. KCLS and architect Bohlin Cywinski Jackson are close to signing an agreement for design and construction services. The first public meeting will be scheduled in the spring to gather input from the community. View a site study that was completed for the K2 Commons and Ober Park sites as well as budget analysis documents.
January 2010
KCLS is working to complete a contract with the consultant team. A public meeting will be scheduled in the spring to gather input from the community on the library expansion project.
December 2009
The Vashon Park District Board and KCLS have completed the ground lease to allow KCLS to expand and remodel the Library on Ober Park. All of the points of agreement were incorporated into a new lease that was approved by the Park District Board and also by the KCLS Board of Trustees in November. The consultant team will be notified to start on the planning and design work.
November 2009
The Vashon Park District Board has formally approved a lease with KCLS that will allow for the expansion of the Vashon Library. All of the points of agreement were incorporated into a new lease that was presented in October and approved at the Park District Board meeting on November 11. The lease was presented and approved at the November KCLS Board meeting. Based on the Board’s response to the request from the Vashon Community Council for a Library Committee, Donna McMillen, the area’s Cluster Manager, has made contact with the Committee to initiate ongoing contact with the Library Committee. The consultant team will be notified to re-start the planning work for the project after the November KCLS Board of Trustees meeting.
October 2009
KCLS officials had a very positive conversation with Mike Collins (Board Chair) and Wendy Braicks (Director) of the Vashon Parks District and were able to reach agreement on all of the key issues on the Vashon Library lease. KCLS’ lawyer will translate the verbal agreements into lease form. The Vashon Parks Board reviewed the document at their October 27 meeting and may approve the lease at its November 11 meeting. The KCLS Board of Trustees could then consider it at the November KCLS Board meeting. The new lease will allow KCLS to proceed with the design and construction of an expanded and renovated Library building at the current library location.
September 2009
While KCLS hoped to have an agreement in place by the end of September, the Vashon Park District (VPD) has decided that it would be better to negotiate the terms of the lease. Discussions are slated to begin in mid-October with representatives from KCLS and the Park District Board. The project team continues to be “on hold” until a lease is completed between the Park District and KCLS to allow for the expansion of the current Library building on Ober Park at its current location.
August 2009
Vashon Park District (VPD) staff informed KCLS that they intend to have a new lease prepared and will have a draft for KCLS to review by the end of August 2009. The consultant team will be “on hold” until a lease is completed between the VPD and KCLS to allow for the expansion of the current Library building at Ober Park.
July 2009
KCLS prepared a lease extension in June for the Vashon Parks District (VPD) to review. KCLS has informed the consultant team that there will be a delay until a new agreement is completed between the VPD and KCLS to allow for the expansion of the current Library building at Ober Park. The VPD is expected to provide comments on the lease by next month.
June 2009
Design work is on hold as discussions and negotiations are under way between the Vashon Parks District and KCLS administration. The KCLS Board of Trustees authorized the investment of up to $6 million to expand and renovate the existing Vashon Library at Ober Park. As the land is leased to KCLS by the Parks District, the expansion and renovation work is contingent on the Parks District extending the lease.
Vashon Library Update Letter
May 2009
KCLS staff and consultants continue to work through responses to questions raised at the April KCLS Board Meeting. The Library Board directed KCLS staff to develop comparable plans for both Ober Park and K2 Commons. KCLS staff is currently waiting direction from the KCLS Board of Trustees.
April 2009
KCLS staff and consultants are working through responses to questions raised at the KCLS Board Meeting last month regarding the two site options for a new Vashon Library. At the meeting, the Library Board directed KCLS staff to develop plans for both Ober Park and K2 Commons for comparison purposes.
March 2009
Since the Vashon Park District Board decided to extend the lease on the current Library site for a new or enlarged Vashon Library, KCLS met with King County Department of Development and Environmental Services staff to discuss preliminary plans for options at Ober Park and K2 Commons. There are significant issues on the Ober Park site and relatively few zoning or site issues on the K2 property. A complete report was presented at the March KCLS Board meeting. Vashon Library Site Options
February 2009
The Vashon Park District Board took formal action to rescind the 2007 resolution that disapproved of a remodel of the Vashon Library at Ober Park and the extension of the lease that would have facilitated that expansion. KCLS has arranged a review of Library expansion possibilities at both Ober Park and at the building on the K2 site done by the King County Department of Development and Environmental Services. A meeting to review the details is scheduled for March 3. With this information, KCLS will be able to better weigh the merits of the two site options: Ober Park and K2 Commons. Vashon Library Site Options
January 2009
KCLS organized a public meeting on Vashon Island on January 21, 2009. The meeting provided the community an opportunity to hear the latest information about the location and design for the proposed library at the K2 Commons site. The architects also presented information about the feasibility study conducted on the property. While the due diligence phase is progressing on the K2 site, the final purchase and sale agreement has not yet been signed. Exploring Two Options for a New 10,000 Square Foot Library.
December 2008
KCLS is working to complete the due diligence phase in anticipation of purchasing
the machine shop on the former K2 site. Project consultants have already completed
onsite visual inspections. Environmental reports were received from K2 and the
new developers, K2 Commons, are working to secure funding for the development
plans. The redevelopment of the former manufacturing facility will
be owned and managed separately from the Library project. Learn more about progress on the new Vashon Library.
October 2008
The developers of the K2 site, where KCLS anticipates locating a new Vashon Library,
recently made a presentation about the site at a recent KCLS Board Meeting. The
developers said that the land use designation for the property has been approved
by the County Council. KCLS previously issued a letter of intent for a new site
for the Vashon Library on the K2 Commons property. After the Heritage Group Ltd
officially purchases the K2 Commons site, KCLS plans to purchase the Library
property, and is guaranteed access to 32 parking stalls, which meets the code
requirements for the structure. The developers made a presentation about the
site at a recent KCLS Board Meeting. K2 Commons is within walking distance of
Vashon College and other public schools, and since the Vashon Allied Arts group
just bought an adjoining corner, the area is anticipated to become the cultural,
educational, health, entertainment center for the Island.
September 2008
After recently signing a letter of intent, KCLS anticipates locating
a new Vashon Library at the K2 Sports site. The developers of the K2 site are
currently seeking a change in the land use designation of the property from
the County Council. The land use designation is anticipated to be considered
by the County Council this fall.
August 2008
The King County Library System (KCLS) is interested in purchasing a portion of
the K2 Sports property on Vashon Island for a new library. A letter of intent
was recently signed by KCLS Director Bill Ptacek and K2 Commons. More
information.
February 2008
Possible locations for the new Vashon Library continue to be explored.
November 2007
KCLS continues to explore possible sites for the new Vashon Library. Options
include Ober Park, existing buildings on Vashon that may be on the market in
the future, or the K2 Sports site. The K2 property has not been sold, but once
the ownership of the property is settled, KCLS will explore the possibility of
developing the 11,000 square foot building on that site into a library. KCLS
Facilities staff continues to monitor the progress on the sale of the property.
September 2007
KCLS continues to explore possible sites for the new Vashon Library. Options have included Ober Park, existing buildings on Vashon that may be on the market in the future, or the K2 Sports site. The K2 property has not been sold, but once the ownership of the property is settled, KCLS will explore the possibility of developing the 11,000 square foot building on that site into a library. KCLS Facilities staff continues to monitor the progress on the sale of the property.
April 2007
In addition to the offer by the Vashon Parks District Department to
build a new library at Ober Park, KCLS staff is considering alternative locations
for the new Vashon Library, including existing buildings that could be on the
market in the next few years. One community landowner, K2 Sports, is moving
their operations off Vashon Island. They have already turned over some of their
properties to the Vashon Rotary. This may have a direct or indirect impact
on the properties that are available on Vashon Island. The search will continue
until there is sufficient information for a public discussion.
March 2007
The Board of Trustees reviewed the library site study for Ober
Park by architects Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, the planning for which included
staff from both KCLS and the Vashon Park District (VPD). Public discussions
were held to discuss the process and the conclusions from the study. One of
KCLS’ preferred alternatives was not feasible following the receipt of a letter from the VPD Board that denied any extension of the current ground lease for the existing library. The VPD’s
preferred alternative included building a new library and associated parking
on the current Ober Park parking lot. KCLS staff could not recommend this alternative
because it would provide a library that is no larger than the existing building.
As a result, the KCLS Board asked staff was asked to continue pursuing viable
alternatives other than Ober Park.
February 2007
More than 70 people, including Vashon Park District Commissioners, attended the public meeting about the Vashon Library on February 13. Bill Ptacek led the discussion with a brief history of the capital project, the rapid escalation in the costs of construction and the current status of the negotiations with the Park District. The architects were present to review the options to build a new library or expand the current library. Members of the Park District Board have been quite vocal about their interest in having the library in a different location on Ober Park. There was much comment about having the new construction fashioned so that the park district and library buildings are connected.
At the February 27 KCLS Board meeting, the Trustees advised staff to continue
looking for other site alternatives, in light of the information from the Vashon
Park District indicating that "they will not approve an extended lease
for the purpose of expanding the existing library and will not approve an extended
lease for this purpose."
January 2007
Bohlin Cywinski Jackson has worked through site alternatives for the Board of Trustees to consider. A professional cost estimator has identified the current construction costs anticipated for each alternative. Staff will report on these alternatives at the Finance Committee, as well as a public meeting to be held on Vashon Island on February 13, 2007.
December 2006
Staff and a Board member met with representatives of the Vashon Parks District Board regarding the expansion of the Vashon Library. A Vashon Parks District Board member proposed that KCLS take a look at another Park District-owned site on Vashon Island. KCLS agreed to study the cost of constructing a library on this alternative site with the funding available through the Capital Bond Measure and in the face of rapidly escalating construction costs.
November 2006
At a November public meeting on Vashon, KCLS staff and Bohlin Cywinski Jackson architects presented a conceptual plan to expand the Vashon Library on its current site. Due to cost escalations during the past three years, the allocated funds for this project are not sufficient to design and construct a library on a new site because infrastructure and related mitigation costs would be significantly more. The plans presented included a project that involves constructing approximately 3,900-square-feet of new building and renovating 6,100-square-feet of the existing building. At the public meeting, members of the Vashon Parks Board expressed concern that KCLS was not going to build a new library. Other community members supported expansion. KCLS will need to negotiate a long-term lease with the Parks District since the current lease expires in 2017. Initial plans show that the current site could accommodate the expansion with little or no impact on the park. The architects will begin the pre-design and program development work necessary to understand the impact and cost associated with this concept.
October 2006
A public meeting is scheduled for November 2, 2006 to present the conceptual plans for expanding and renovating the Vashon Library on the current site. Bohlin Cywinski Jackson will share current ideas for the project. The planning process, which began earlier this year, will be completed based on the outcome of this meeting. KCLS, the Vashon Parks District and the public have investigated alternative locations for the library on Ober Park.
September 2006
During the past month, staff has explored the idea of expanding the
current library as a preferred alternative due in large part to the tremendous
increase in construction costs. The Vashon Library expansion is similar in scope
to the Woodmont Library project. The cost estimates for the Woodmont Library
exceed the current planned budget for Vashon. It appears the only solution within
KCLS’ resources is to redevelop and expand the current building. A public
meeting is being planned to discuss this option with local residents. The Vashon
Parks Board has been informed of this recommendation and understands that the
planning for an exchange of locations has been placed on hold. KCLS will need
to negotiate a long-term lease with the Parks District since the current lease
expires in 2017.
August 2006
Discussions have continued to determine the optimum solution for developing a new library and relocating the Parks District offices to the existing library on Ober Park. KCLS and Vashon Parks District representatives recently met with King County Metro staff to explore sharing development and use of public parking adjacent to Ober Park. The first glimpse of this idea was received positively by all three agencies. King County Metro will review the idea with the King County's plans to determine if it is feasible and cost effective for them to participate in this project, as they would need approval for budgeting and project planning. KCLS and King County government are separate entities and would need to create legal agreements to clarify responsibilities and cost sharing.
July 2006
A public meeting was held at the Vashon Parks District building to present the
current findings in the site planning project. No vote was taken, but the comments
seemed to favor of the proposed exchange of the KCLS and the Parks District’s
current locations at Ober Park. Following the public meeting, KCLS has been working
to develop an agreement with the Vashon Park District for exchange of land. Clarification
is needed about expenses KCLS may incur in the switch. The buildings and land
appear to be similarly valued; however, the Vashon Park District would need temporary
quarters while their current facility is torn down and the new library built.
The Vashon Park District Board also needs to formally adopt the master site plan
that would include this arrangement, as well as a vision for the park setting
as a whole. It is anticipated that the master site planning work can be completed
this year.
June 2006
A public meeting is scheduled on June 29, 2006 to begin public review of the impact of the proposed exchange of properties on Ober Park. KCLS and the Vashon Parks District staff will be joined by architects from Bohlin Cywinski Jackson and Gustafson, Gutherie Landscape and Park Planners.
May 2006
A site planning meeting with the consultants who will be developing three alternatives for review with KCLS and the Vashon Parks District staff occurred this month. A public meeting has been scheduled for June 29 to begin the public discussion of the impact of the alternatives. The agreement with the Vashon Parks District is aimed at creating a mutual understanding of a proposed exchange of locations between the two districts on Ober Park. A letter of understanding has been accepted by both parties. In addition, following a public request for qualifications and interviews, a professional services agreement has been completed with Bohlin Cywinski Jackson architects. The notice to proceed for the consultant team was issued on April 17, 2006.
April 2006
An agreement with the Vashon Parks District is aimed at a mutual understanding of the terms of a proposed exchange of locations for the two districts on Ober Park. A letter of understanding has been accepted by both KCLS and the Vashon Parks District Board. In addition, a professional services agreement has been completed with Bohlin Cywinski Jackson for pre-design services. The notice to proceed was issued on April 17, 2006 to the consultant team. An up-to-date survey of Ober Park is the first task to be completed. Terra Properties, a real estate appraisal firm, has been contacted to assist the library and Vashon Parks District in determining the value of the existing ground lease KCLS has until 2017. The firm will also assist with determining the current value of library improvements and immediate parking. The scope of work will also include determining a value for the proposed ground lease that will be the basis for a mutually beneficial exchange.
January 2006
During 2005, KCLS and the Parks District selected a consultant team to prepare the Master Site Plan. Basic to this plan is that the districts work together to create a Park and Library campus that meets or exceeds the goals of both constituencies. Bohlin Cywinski Jackson was selected as the consultant. They will be working in partnership with the landscape architectural firm of Gustafson Guthrie Nichol.
October 2005
KCLS issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for consultants to assist in preparing a Master Site Plan for Ober Park. The Vashon Park District and KCLS will work towards an agreement for the exchange of property.
September 2005
KCLS and the Vashon Park District are at the beginning of the planning process necessary to accomplish the goals of each district. The Vashon Library will be on Ober Park land owned by the Park District. The lease was begun on May 11, 1982 and runs for 35 years. There are several issues that will require legal review related to the transfer of that land. At this time, the Vashon Park District Commissioners and the Park District Director Wendy Braikes have agreed to work with KCLS to develop a master site plan for the purpose of understanding the potentials for exchanging locations. The Park District has their main office and community building located near Vashon Highway. They need a new building and have an interest in our existing library building and parking area. KCLS would like to construct a new library that fronts on the highway and utilize an existing parking area adjacent to the new facility.
June 2005
A group of KCLS staff members met with the Vashon Parks District Director to continue discussions about KCLS and the Parks District cooperatively planning and sharing Ober Park. The meeting was enthusiastically positive and KCLS agreed to help create a revised Master Site Plan for the area of Ober Park that would be impacted by library development. The timeframe for such work will be negotiated between the two organizations with the intention to complete planning within a year.
May 2005
Staff visited the Vashon Parks District board meeting to introduce the idea of the new Vashon Library being built on Ober Park property. The Parks Board is receptive to this idea and has authorized the Parks Director to work with KCLS to prepare a plan for this to occur.
