Magnolia Branch Architecture
The Magnolia Branch is the last of the 27 projects completed under the "Libraries for All" building program.
Noted Seattle architect Paul Hayden Kirk designed the Magnolia Branch. The expansion was built by Graham Contracting Ltd. and designed by Snyder Hartung Kane Strauss Architects.
About the Building
Clerestory windows let in plenty of natural light. The ceiling, built at various heights, lends a spacious feel to the interior. Book-lined alcoves frame large windows.
The addition is built onto the west side of the existing branch. It was designed to respect the architecture of the existing building. Trees and plants form a grove-like setting for the new addition.
As part of the renovation, furniture designed by master craftsman George Nakashima was refinished. Magnolia furniture shop Meyer Wells made a table and bench for the branch from a walnut tree that didn’t survive the winter storms in 2006.
Outside, invasive weeds were removed to restore the landscape. Seattle landscape architect Richard Haag’s original design enhanced the relationship between the landscape and the building.
Several strawberry trees (Arbutus marina) were planted to replace madrona trees lost in the late 1960s.