Architect Interviews - Neill Public Library Building Addition

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

Please note that the press release I sent out yesterday needs to be replaced
with the following corrected release.  The wording about selecting an
architect was incorrect, plus I have made a few other changes.  In fact, the
building committee has engaged an architect for contract negotiations, we
have not yet hired them.  Please use today's copy, July 3rd, especially if
broadcasting or printing.  

I apologize for the inconvenience.  Andriette

July 3, 2001

For Immediate Release
Contact:  Andriette Pieron - 338-3629
RE:  Architect Interviews - Neill Public Library Building Addition

The building committee for the Neill Public Library Historical Addition has
interviewed architects 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 engaged Integrus Architecture from Spokane for contract
negotiations 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 is the company's principal architect. Following
negotiations of scope, budget and schedule, an architectural services
agreement will be prepared for City Council consideration. 

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;
geotechnical, 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 Services Director for the City of Pullman, is hoping that some energy
effective upgrades will be possible. 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 collections of materials 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