Turning a casino into a public library.
Libraries are key parts of the social infrastructure in our society. One of the few remaining public spaces, libraries are places of sharing, learning and discovery. For this project, we were able to turn a casino, which took from the community, into a library; which gives back to the community.
This was the last project of the Capital Bond Measure in which King County Library systems opened 17 new libraries, expanded 11 libraries, and renovated 14 libraries. As it was the last project, the budget was tight and creative solutions were needed.
The design team was able to re-purpose an existing building which contributed to the revitalization of an area that had previously been in decline. Panther Lake is a smaller community that is part of a larger city yet is distinct both geographically and culturally. It sits on a plateau above the main city of Kent and has one of the most diverse populations in the country. The community asked for a library of their own to act not only as a place of knowledge but as focal point for their identity.
Fivedot took a building that was closed from the outside by design and opened it up to create a light filled oasis for the community. Large skylights flood the reading area with light while the planters bring the surrounding landscape right up to the windows to shield the view of the surrounding parking. A welcoming entry and custom touches throughout the building have created a place for learning, gathering and sharing. Custom furniture from 16th Workshop, a local furniture maker, an excellent art selection and the fabulous KCLS library staff have made this library a true home for the community of Kent Panther Lake.
What were the key challenges?
The biggest challenge was how to turn a former casino into a library for an undeserved community. The building was standing in an island of parking and because it was a casino, it had been entirely closed down and was fully inward focused.
What were the solutions?
We opened all the windows and brought the landscape up to the glass to create the illusion of the building sitting in nature. We used former mechanical access hatches to create new skylights and allow daylight to penetrate into the building.
Project Team
Architecture: Fivedot
Contractor: Oak Hills Construction
Electrical Engineer: Travis Fitzmaurice
Structural Engineer: Swenson Say Faget
Mechanical Engineer: Sider Byers
Landscape Consultant: Site Workshop
Interiors Consultant: Schact Aslani Architects
Photography: Cleary O’Farrell
