In July 2006, the Northgate neighborhood in Seattle celebrated the opening of a combined Northgate Community Center, Northgate Park and Northgate Public Library. An “urban gathering place for the community,” the Northgate project contains a 10,000-square-foot-library, a 20,000-square-foot community center, and a 1.67-acre park at a central, accessible location.
Partners in a public space
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The Northgate Community Center
in Seattle, WA |
The $6.7 million Northgate Branch Library is located along Fifth Avenue, a main thoroughfare. It holds a collection capacity of 40,200 books and materials, reading and homework areas for children and youth, computers, instruction areas and a community meeting room. The main reading space is oriented toward the park, while the community center and a children’s play area are placed to maximize the green space devoted to the park. All of the spaces feature public art.
The library benefits from the Fifth Avenue NE Streetscape Project, a safe, pedestrian-friendly street that accommodates all types of transportation and features landscaping and a promenade with a crosswalk connecting the new community center and library to the Northgate Mall.
Project funding came from several sources, each of which has leveraged the other. The critical mass of public funds underwrote three co-located facilities that create an exemplary nexus of community services.
Funding sources
In 1998, Seattle voters passed the “Libraries for All” bond measure, which authorized money to build a new library in Northgate. Local advocates helped to ensure public support for the levy.
In 1999, city voters approved a community centers levy, which included funds for the new Northgate Community Center.
In 2000, voters approved the Pro Parks Levy, which provided funds for a park that could meet the open space needs of the densely developed neighborhood.
Advocating for the Partnership
Public involvement in the project and advocacy for a combined site started in 2000, following passage of the Libraries for All bond measure and the community centers levy. During public meetings organized by the library and its supporters, and by the library and the parks department, residents discussed siting options and explored co-location of a branch library and a community center. Subsequent community meetings explored the possibilities and benefits of co-location, and the inclusion of a community park. In June 2002, with the support of local residents, the library and the parks department agreed to join resources for building a community gathering space with multiple services.
Library advocates and other residents stayed closely involved throughout the project. They participated in visioning sessions, voiced their preferences for services, equipment, programs, library collections and artwork, and commented on designs. Public participation in the project was highlighted when a Project Advisory Team (PAT) was appointed by the Superintendent of Parks in 2003. The PAT consisted of representatives of key stakeholder groups. The PAT met frequently during the design phases and participated in site tours and briefings during construction. The PAT also held public meetings to review project scope, budget, schedule, accomplishments and tasks. Project officials took PAT recommendations into account throughout the process.
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