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Building History

The architects, Johnston-Campanella and Company, decided that the library should span an 80-foot wide river, so that land could be conserved for a parking lot. A $150,000 bond issue passed on 11/03/1964 paid some of the costs of the Renton Library, that opened on 04/17/1966. The total price of the unusual bridge design was $327,560.

Building Notes

Elizabeth Kendall Thompson, writing in the "Western Reports" section of Architectural Record, described the library: "The bridge is the library in Renton, Washington. This new structure, the first in the city's developing civic center, will eventually link a proposed exposition and multi-purpose [center] and the yet-to-be-built city hall. The building is set on 12 large columns which rest on riiver bottom. Its structure is precast concrete girders and tees, with long-span wood truss joists to support the roof. All library functions are on one floor, including a community meeting room."

Tel: Phone: 425.430.6610 (2006);

Alteration

The exterior of the library has been significantly altered from the original.

Demolition

In 2013, discussions were ongoing to demolish the Renton Public Library and replace it with a new facility.

PCAD id: 7330