Roof structure and wooden slats at the Pasadena Central Library (Photo – PPL)
Work continues to advance on the Pasadena Central Library Earthquake Retrofit and Renovation Project, with crews making significant progress both below ground and atop the historic building.
By News Desk
Recent construction has focused on the basement and roof, where carefully coordinated work is preparing the landmark for critical seismic upgrades while preserving its historic character.
Roofing crews have reached the area above the Great Hall, where roof tiles are being meticulously removed one by one. Each tile is washed, cleaned, and transported to an off-site warehouse for storage before being reinstalled later in the project. Once the tiles are removed, crews carefully dismantle the wood slate supports beneath them, creating access for the structural improvements that will strengthen the building against future earthquakes.
Below ground, construction has reached another important milestone as crews begin pouring concrete slabs and installing underground plumbing and electrical systems. Foundation work has also advanced to the building’s southwest side, where new footings are being poured and shotcrete is being applied to bring walls up to grade. At the same time, workers are waterproofing all below-grade concrete surfaces to protect the structure from moisture and help preserve it for decades to come.
The careful sequencing of roof and basement work is creating the access needed to complete the seismic upgrades while maintaining the integrity of one of Pasadena’s most treasured civic landmarks.
As construction continues, the project also highlights the remarkable craftsmanship of the library’s original builders. Today’s engineers and skilled craftspeople are blending historic construction methods with modern engineering practices to ensure the iconic Central Library remains both beautiful and resilient for generations to come.
Concrete and rebar installation in progress at the Central Library (Photo – PPL)
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