Project Information

Bid Title

Columbia Branch - Historical Carnegie Building Renovation and Seismic Structural Upgrade of Unreinforced Masonry Building (URM)

Issuing Agency

City of Seattle

Location

Washington

Published Date

May 13, 2026

Closing Date

Jun 10, 2026

Government Level

State & Local

Status

Closed

Ref. #

SPL PW# A&E Seismic 2026-05 COL

Original Source

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Bid Documents

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Project Description

Project ID: SPL PW# A&E Seismic 2026-05 COL

Title: Columbia Branch - Historical Carnegie Building Renovation and Seismic Structural Upgrade of Unreinforced Masonry Building (URM)

Addenda: 0

Release Date: 5/13/2026

Due Date: 6/10/2026

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Columbia Branch - Historical Carnegie Building Renovation and Seismic Structural Upgrade of Unreinforced Masonry Building (URM)

Request For Qualification

Seattle Public Library

Project ID: SPL PW# A&E Seismic 2026-05 COL

Release Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026

· Due Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2026 4:00pm

Posted Wednesday, May 13, 2026 9:00am

All dates & times in Pacific Time

Draft Response Events RSVP No Bid27 days, 21 hours, 33 minutes

Post Information

Posted At:Wed, May 13, 2026 9:00 AM
Sealed Bid Process:Yes (Bids Sealed / Pricing Sealed)
Private Bid:No

Overview

Summary

The Seattle Public Library seeks architectural and engineering (A/E) teams to provide design and construction administration services for the renovation of its Columbia Branch Library. The building totals approximately 12,225 square feet and includes a historic Carnegie section (approximately 6,825 SF, constructed in 1915) and a 2004 addition (approximately 5,400 SF). The A/E team must prepare documents to meet Library requirements for review at programming, schematic design, 30% construction documents, 60% construction documents, permit set and submittal, 90% construction documents, 100% construction documents, bid set, and addendums.

Background

The Columbia Branch Library has served the Columbia City neighborhood since 1915, when the original 6,825 square-foot Carnegie building was constructed with funds from an Andrew Carnegie grant. The building was designed by architects W. Marbury Somervell and Harlan Thomas in Georgian Revival style with brick construction. The branch is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a contributing structure in the Columbia City Landmark District.

The facility has undergone two significant renovations since its opening: a major remodel in 1986, and a 2004 expansion that added approximately 5,400 square feet, bringing the total to approximately 12,225 square feet. The 2004 addition created the current two-wing configuration and expanded library programming capacity while the original Carnegie wing continues to serve as the historic heart of the branch.

A 2016 seismic survey by the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspection identified the Columbia Branch as high-risk for earthquake damage due to its unreinforced masonry (URM) construction. Seismic vulnerabilities exist in both the original 1915 Carnegie structure and the 2004 addition. The structural upgrade is to comply with Damage Control concepts.

This seismic renovation is the final phase of a multi-phase renovation. Phase 1 — HVAC electrification and electrical upgrades — will be complete prior to the start of this project. A primary objective of the design is to protect the newly installed HVAC systems and ensure that seismic retrofit and building envelope work does not damage or require rework of Phase 1 improvements. In addition to the seismic upgrade, this project will include building envelope restoration, accessibility improvements, and interior renovation, updating the library to comply with current building and accessibility codes for the City of Seattle, the State of Washington, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Timeline

Solicitation Release:

May 13, 2026

Pre-Submittal Conference (Non-Mandatory):

May 27, 2026, 10:00am

Seattle Public Library (COLUMBIA Branch) 4721 Rainier Ave S Seattle, WA 98118

Deadline for Questions:

June 3, 2026, 4:00pm

Response Submission Deadline:

June 10, 2026, 4:00pm

Interviews if Conducted (estimated) (Non-Mandatory):

June 24th 2026

Interviews will be conducted via TEAMS

Commodity Codes

• NAICS 236220Commercial and Institutional Building Construction

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