San Francisco public library reno project gets $6.3 million

California Construction News staff writer

San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) has been awarded a $6.3 million Building Forward grant from the California State Library for critical repairs and upgrades to the Main Library’s seismic moat and roof.

“Our main library is a vital resource for the community,” said Mayor London N. Breed. “The Building Forward grant guarantees the Main Library’s seismic moat and roof are brought up to modern standards, ensuring a safe and welcoming space.”

The seismic moat allows the building to move side to side and protects it from the jolt of an earthquake. The library worked with San Francisco public works and the original manufacturer of the moat system to design a method for its replacement. SFPL will match the grant over several fiscal years through the city’s annual budget process.

The 376,000-sq. ft. structure was designed by James Ingo Freed of Pei Cobb Freed & Partners (New York) and Cathy Simon of Simon Martin-Vegue Winkelstein & Morris (San Francisco).