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Published in The Seattle Times online on Dec. 18, 2024
and in Pacific NW Magazine of the printed Times on Dec. 22, 2024

2 uplifting updates: Progress on Seattle library and totem poles

By Jean Sherrard

We have encouraging news about two cherished public spaces highlighted in “Now & Then” — the Green Lake Library and Victor Steinbrueck Park.

After a 20-month renovation, the library branch was reopened Oct. 28. Thanks to a 2019 levy approved by Seattle voters, this historic building is re-imagined for future generations.

Inaugurated in 1910, the landmarked Carnegie-built structure “had become obsolete,” says project architect Matt Aalfs. The necessary seismic retrofit incorporated an exposed structural steel frame, intended to “find visual composition with the existing historic elements.” And an electric HVAC system replaced a gas-fired boiler, saving an annual 30 tons of carbon emissions. The newly air-conditioned building also will provide refuge for patrons on hot days and fresh air during incursions of forest-fire smoke.

Access also has been improved with a new elevator

and an exterior ramp. Interior spaces have been decluttered to create a sense of airy light.

Patrons are delighted and relieved to have a community treasure available once more. “On reopening day,” says Elisa Murray, digital communication strategist, “people were just coming in and hugging staff.”

In January, the University Library, another Carnegie building, will close until late 2026 to begin a similar project. The citywide system aims to be “a safe space where all are welcome,” says Tom Fay, Seattle Public Library’s chief librarian. “One of our priorities in coming years will be connecting people and giving them a sense of belonging. There’s only so much you can do on social media.”

Meanwhile, at the north end of Pike Place Market, a sense of belonging still awaits after a two-year renovation at Steinbrueck Park. Two poles originally commissioned by the park’s namesake architect/activist and created and installed by Quinault/Isleta Pueblo carver Marvin Oliver in 1984 were “an homage to the Northwest Coast Indians who were here long before we were,” Steinbrueck said at the time.

In 2019, the Pike Place Market Historical Commission permitted Seattle Parks and Recreation to proceed with the much-needed restoration. The commission mandated that the poles, also needing repair, be reinstalled upon the park’s reopening.

Delayed by the pandemic, the project commenced in December 2022. Oliver’s totem poles were removed in April 2023 and delivered to Discovery Park, where they languished for 18 months.

Throughout, Marylin Oliver-Bard, the carver’s sister, and members of the Steinbrueck family have sought the poles’ restoration and reinstallation over Parks’ resistance. But Parks reversed itself in October, committing to the poles’ return and assuring that repairs would be transparent and expeditious.

But patience is still required. Until Oliver’s totem poles are restored and reinstalled on their plinths, the park will remain closed until at least summer 2025.

WEB EXTRAS

A few more interiors of the remodeled library and the poles in Discovery Park.