Footing trench in the basement of Central Library (Photo – PPL)
Construction on the Pasadena Central Library Retrofit and Renovations project is advancing in the building’s basement, where crews are preparing to pour a new, level concrete floor.
By News Desk
Footing work has progressed through each zone, from the east side of the building toward the west. Crews are currently focused on the former computer lab. Slab-on-grade concrete pours will follow and are expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
Before the Pasadena Central Library closed in 2021, the basement had seven different floor elevations. The uneven layout created challenges for safely storing materials, providing public-use space and assigning staff workspaces. Several areas were unusable.
The seismic retrofit provided an opportunity to strengthen the building while improving the basement layout. Over the past several months, crews have excavated the basement to a consistent elevation, dug trenches for footings, and installed rebar and waterproofing membranes in preparation for the concrete pours.
Once completed, the leveling work will improve access and allow fuller use of the basement, except in areas needed for mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.
Basement upgrades remain on schedule, with slab-on-grade concrete pours set to begin soon.
Waterproofing membrane in a room in Central Library’s basement (Photo – PPL)
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