Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Historic Preservation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Architects outline plan to restore Harrison Memorial Library ahead of 2028 centennial
Summary
Design team reports broad community engagement and proposes preserving historic character while improving accessibility, structural safety and systems; fundraising has raised roughly $14.5M toward a $17.5M target, architects said.
Architects Buzz Udell and Chris Hamilton told the Carmel-by-the-Sea City Council on Dec. 2 that the Harrison Memorial Library centennial restoration is entering schematic design after a 12‑week validation and concept phase and extensive community outreach.
The presentation summarized goals identified in public workshops: preserve historic character (including original book-lined walls and signature beams), declutter interior elements that have accumulated over nearly a century, increase daylighting and wayfinding, and make the building accessible to people of all ages and abilities. "Our target is to be complete with construction in time for the centennial celebration in 2028," Udell said.
Architects described technical work already underway, including lidar-based modeling that revealed structural complexity (the building effectively contains multiple levels and sublevels). They outlined options for accessibility — including an unobtrusive single lift integrated into woodwork and a main elevator serving all levels — and described structural strengthening to meet seismic requirements (foundation and shear upgrades, selective steel reinforcement). Engineers will continue to study the roof and openings to refine interventions.
The team also emphasized non-architectural needs: replacing aging mechanical systems to control humidity for preservation of books and artworks and to improve energy performance; reconfiguring lower-level space for teens and staff; and improving restrooms to contemporary accessibility standards.
The council noted next steps and public outreach ahead of upcoming public meetings; staff said public comment and council discussion on the project will be deferred to future meetings as the design phase advances and additional public hearings are scheduled.
