C.W. Driver Companies broke ground on the $17.9 million construction of the new Mission Hills-Hillcrest Harley & Bessie Knox Public Library, the company announced.
The 14,000-square-foot, one-story structure will be nearly four times the size of the current library, and will be constructed on the site of the old International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers building located at 925 W. Washington Street. The project is expected to be completed in summer 2018.
“We are looking forward to working with the city of San Diego toward the completion of another comprehensive library project in the San Diego region,” said Richard Freeark, senior vice president of C.W. Driver Companies’ San Diego region. “The new-and-improved space will add substantial value to the community, and will provide enhanced community meeting rooms, gathering spaces and more for local residents, teens and children.”
Originally opened in 1961, the library is being reconstructed to better serve the growing population of the surrounding neighborhoods. The new library will feature a study space, computer lab, community meeting room, Friend’s of the Library room and children and teen spaces.
With architectural direction by Manuel Oncina Architects and Ferguson Pape Baldwin Architects, the project will be LEED Gold certified and will rest on top of a 30,000-square-foot, two-story below grade parking structure with 85 parking spaces, 76 more than the previous facility. Off-site improvements such as a drought-tolerant landscape and the formation of a cul-de-sac are similarly included in this project.
“Libraries are so much more than books, they’re gathering spaces where families gather, students learn and communities grow,” said city of San Diego Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer. “This new library will serve neighborhoods that have seen significant growth at a time when education and affordable access to the Internet is more important than ever before.”
