Long awaited library remodel to be completed by May

1997
Originally published by Fairchild Connection (Fairchild AFB, WA)

An extensive renovation of the base library is taking place and will be completed in five months under the guidance of two local contractors.

The project's design was generated by Bernardo Wills Architects and is currently being constructed by KATO Corporation, both of Spokane.

The 92nd Contracting Squadron received best and final offers on April 15 and KATO was awarded the project with an offer of $899,200. A notice to proceed with construction of the facility was issued on May 9, while actual ground breaking took place May 27.

Estimated completion is projected for the first week of March.

"Per Air Mobility Command and Air Force standards, the existing facility was severely undersized," said Ralph Martinez, architect for the 92nd Civil Engineering Squadron. "The existing facility no longer met the functional requirements of the base population."

An additional 2,750 square feet will be added to the building on its location at Castle Street and Seattle Avenue, among other improvements. The library is temporarily located at the Deel Community Center until the project is complete.

Reorganization of the existing facility is being done to create office space, study areas, and storage and receiving room as well as the main library area. The newly remodeled library will consist of 9,975 square feet with the new addition.

The entire interior will be renovated with new surface finishes, and there will be a new brick exterior. There will be new carpeting, upgraded mechanical equipment such as heating, air conditioning and electric wiring.

Within the new addition will be a new foyer and entrance, reference area, computer room, restrooms compatible with the Americans with Disability Act, children's area, new office spaces and study rooms. The entire existing building area will be remodeled as well.

Previous parking problems along Seattle Ave. will be eliminated with placement of a new parking lot and entry to the rear of the building. The site will be further enhanced by new landscaping.

"The overall function of the library will be enhanced with the completion of this project," Martinez said. "With this project the facility will meet the base design standards and compatibility criteria."

When the library initiated the paperwork for the remodeling with an AF Form 332 Work Order, the 92nd CES researched and approved it, according to Martinez.

"A lot of these projects are long-term," Martinez said. "They usually get designed a year or two before starting. Usually, they are in the works for quite some time."

The library project is one of two Quality of Life projects funded this fiscal year initiated on base this year, the other being the repair and upgrade of the base education center, which is also under construction.

"People are surprised at the number of services provided by the library staff. I think the patrons will be very happy with the new facilities," Martinez said.

Library director Sherry Hokanson agreed. "We'll all be very happy when it's complete," she said. The library is currently having to get by on limited space, and only one-third of its' circulation is in use because of the decreased area.

"We'll be glad to get it all back. It's important we'll be getting what we need. It'll be a lot better place for everyone to visit, whether for reading, research or studying for classes," Hokanson added.