Renovation of Pasadena Central Library and Seismic Retrofit

Pasadena Central Library (Photo – cityofpasadena.net)

On May 3^rd, 2021, City officials were forced to order the closure of the Pasadena Central Library located at 285 East Walnut Street.

By News Desk

A structural assessment conducted by the City revealed that most of the Pasadena Central Library building is comprised of unreinforced masonry (URM) bearing walls that leave the building vulnerable to seismic activity. The building must remain closed until seismic retrofit of the building is completed to meet life safety requirements.

Designed by Myron Hunt and H.C. Chambers in 1924, Central Library was the first building completed in Pasadena’s historic Civic Center Plan and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Open since 1927, the library serves as an educational and community cornerstone for the public, averaging approximately 55,000 visitors per month before it was closed. The library houses a collection of over 345,000 items and provided the public with access to computers, Wi-Fi, and high-speed internet.  As part of the seismic retrofit effort, the City will restore the building while maintaining its historic architectural significance

Pasadena Requests Proposals for Professional Design Services

On Monday, November 1^ST, the Pasadena Department of Public Works issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the preparation of the environmental document and architectural and engineering design services for the seismic retrofit, as well as additional services for  building systems upgrades and renovations at the library including: installation of a new fire alarm and fire sprinkler system; roof repair/replacement; mechanical, electrical, and plumbing upgrades; Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) upgrades; and improvements to the exterior courtyard and parking lot.

Parties interested in responding to the RFP can find information on the City’s website, Prospective consultants may obtain the RFP documents by clicking on the tab for Bid Opportunities and completing the new vendor registration via PlanetBids, the City’s on-line vendor portal. A mandatory pre-proposal meeting will be held on November 17, 2021 at the Central Library and the deadline to submit proposals is December 15, 2021. Prospective consultant interviews are expected to commence in early February of 2022, with the award of contract by City Council anticipated in Spring 2022.