Architect Selection - Neill Public Library Building Addition

["Pieron, Andriette" <andriette@neill-lib.org>]

July 2,  2001

To: Media List - For Immediate Release
Contact:  Andriette Pieron - 338-3629
RE:  Architect Selection - Neill Public Library Building Addition

The building committee for the Neill Public Library Addition has selected an
architect for the library addition which is being made possible largely from
a generous donation by Pullman resident Ivan Shirrod.  After hearing
presentations from three very well qualified architectural firms, the
committee has decided to hire Integrus Architecture from Spokane for the
first phase of the project. Integrus designed the existing building.  Though
it was a difficult decision, in the end it was clear that the public and
staff both think highly of the existing building which is well designed,
beautiful and very functional.  Library Director Mike Pollastro said, "even
the competing architects mentioned several times that they are impressed
with the original architecture."  Tom Shine of Integrus Architecture will be
the principal architect for the project.   

On Thursday, June 28, the building committee met with Shine to discuss the
scope of the project.  At least four outside consultants will be needed;
geo/technical surveying, topographical/physical feature surveying, civil
engineering and landscaping. City of Pullman Public Works and Public
Services staff will be able to supply some of the technical information
needed to assist Integrus in developing a schematic design for the building.
Another consideration in this phase includes conducting an existing building
evaluation especially in regard to the functional elements of the building
such as energy use.  Larry Fetter, Public Works Director for the City of
Pullman is hoping that some energy effective upgrades will be possible.
Considerable time was spent reviewing the impact of the addition to the
site. Internal traffic flow and service patterns will also need to be
examined. Major portions of the existing carpet are in need of replacement
and some materials collections will need to be re-located. Sufficient space
was not originally allocated for the tremendous growth the library has
experienced in collections and services in its nine-year lifetime. Since the
library occupied the building in December 1992, there has been tremendous
growth in the community's needs for audiovisual materials, such as CDs,
videos, and audiocassettes, and for computer use.  The Parent Center,
English as a Second Language collection, Magazines and Newspaper area,
Children's and Young Adult sections will also be analyzed for possible
expansion or relocation. 

Building Committee Members:

Mike Pollastro - Library Director
Andriette Pieron - Librarian
Mark Workman - Public Works Director
Dale Rogers - Engineering Technician
Larry Fetter - Public Services Director
Helen Perry - Friends of the Library Representative
Sonja Mosely - Donor Representative (Mr. Ivan Shirrod)


Andriette Pieron
Community Services Librarian
Neill Public Library - www.neill-lib.org
Phone: 509-334-4555
Direct line with voice mail: 338-3269
Fax: 509-334-6051