Planning commission oks new library design

The design for the new La Conner Swinomish Library was approved by the Town’s Planning Commission Feb. 18. More than 30 library supporters filled Maple Hall’s meeting room, showing their interest in the project and the design, which was unveiled by Jake LaBarre of BuildingWork, the La Conner Regional Library Board’s architect.

In his presentation the Seattle architect reviewed the 5,500 square foot one-story building that will fill the 10,000 square foot lot at Morris and Sixth Streets now occupied by the Friends of the Library Thrift Store and empty space to its west.

The squarish building must meet historical district zoning requirements, including a Morris Street entrance. Before turning the floor over to LaBarre for his slide show, Town Planner Marianne Manville-Ailes complimented redidents for having two historic districts, First Street, registered nationally, and the much larger Town designated district with borders on the east side of South Fourth Street and extends to the north side of Morris Street properties.

Manville-Ailes noted building in the historic district requires a more in depth review and the public hearing meant “everyone gets to weigh in with public comments.”

Those comments were supportive. Bill Taylor, a member of the Library Board, called it a gem on Morris Street saying he was looking forward to reading the local newspaper by the large windows facing the street.

Ken Barnes found “a lot going on there that will be leaving a lot to La Conner. It raises the bar for everyone there (on Morris Street)”

Jim Airy, Library Foundation board chair, found the entrance, with its 18 foot tall story pole, to be welcoming, and praised the community meeting room, an asset he championed when raising funding. Swinomish tribal member Kevin Paul will design and build the story pole.

Nancy Crowell, a Road Street resident whose home is just north of Sixth Street, voiced her concern for cars driving the wrong way on the one-way street when leaving and suggested angled parking to minimize that. She is against widening Road Street.

The issue of adequate parking was raised. Parking will be addressed when the building permit is issued, along with other traffic concerns the group was told. Planning Commission Chair Liz Theaker said a pick-up and drop-off spot needed to be considered.

LaBarre replied that when a pending traffic plan is completed the design would incorporate those findings.

A ramp on the Road Street side of the building was bought up. Theaker called that welcoming for people needing that access. The fit is tight with the lot size and the requirement to build four feet above the flood plain. LaBarre said a ramp is under study.

After the Commission’s unanimous vote, Manville-Ailes drew that portion of the meeting to a close, saying “we will get you certified for a building permit whenever you guys are ready.”

LaBarre, an AIA architect, is a senior project architect and project manager at BuildingWork, a Seattle firm specializing in historic building renovation and civic building design. LaBarre admitted his firm has not designed a 5,500 square foot library before but said they have designed a 1,200 square foot one for a mall and several in the 10,000-15,000 square foot range. The firm’s website states they are “committed to the idea that architecture, design and preservation can strengthen our communities.”