Renovated building will provide expanded experience for Northwest community
PORTLAND, Ore––June 4, 2024
Multnomah County Library is breaking ground on one of its exciting new buildings. Northwest Library is moving to a new location, going from a leased space at 2300 NW Thurman to 2030 NW Pettygrove Street. This new location will be around 11,000 square feet, more than twice the size of the current building at 4,700 square feet.
The library purchased the building, which sits on Overton to the south and on Pettygrove to the north, in 2021. As part of the library’s goal to reduce costs and uncertainty related to leased spaces, the building is being renovated into a brand new space for the community.
Exterior rendering of the new Northwest Library on Pettygrove courtesy of Hennebery Eddy Architects. Color is not final.
Groundbreaking ceremony
What: Northwest Library groundbreaking ceremony as part of Multnomah County Library Capital Building Projects, brief remarks and photo opportunity
When: Wednesday, June 5, 2024, 11:30 am-12:00 pm
Where: New Northwest Library (2030 NW Pettygrove Street, Portland, OR 97209)
Northwest Library has long been a small but beloved location for the Northwest Portland community. Its expansion means more space for the community. That's why insights from community members have guided the vision and purpose for the space, with the design team gathering feedback from senior citizens, families, teens, people experiencing homelessness and the neighborhood association.
Based on this community input through focus groups, public meetings, surveys and more, new features will include:
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Large play and learning space for children and families.
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Flexible meeting spaces for community use.
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A dedicated teen area with space for technology, homework and creative expression.
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Updated technology and internet.
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New art that represents the community in collaboration with the Regional Arts and Culture Council.
Interior rendering of entryway courtesy of Hennebery Eddy Architects. Color is not final.
Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson will join Northwest Library’s groundbreaking celebration along with Multnomah County District 1 Commissioner Sharon Meieran; Interim Director of Libraries Annie Lewis; and William Temple House Executive Director Graham Craft.
“Northwest Library has been a thriving cornerstone of the community for years, serving as a small but well-loved library,” said Annie Lewis, Interim Director of Libraries. “Now, with more space in a new, transformative location, Northwest Library is expanding not just in size but in how it can support the community.”
“Updates to our library system are so exciting and breaking ground this summer in Northwest is wonderful news. Northwest Library has a rich history providing space and engagement, and with this beautiful expansion designed so thoughtfully with input from many community members, the library is continuing to demonstrate its vital role,” said Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson.
Interior rendering of gallery seating area courtesy of Hennebery Eddy Architects. Color is not final.
Hennebery Eddy Architects led the design for Northwest Library. Howard S. Wright, a Balfour Beatty company, is the General Contractor.
The construction process for this approximately $20 million project begins in summer 2024. Construction costs are estimated to be $7.75 million and the building was purchased for $7.2 million in 2021. The new Northwest Library is scheduled to open in summer 2025 as an exciting, new space. During construction, the current Northwest Library at 2300 NW Thurman Street will remain open to serve the community.
Community members can stay up-to-date on the latest news about Northwest Library and all Multnomah County Library building projects at multcolib.org/planning.
Please note: the building’s color is not final. Community members can vote for their favorite color palette for the new Northwest Library online at multcolib.org/newnorthwest from Monday, June 17 - Monday, July 1, 2024.
Community members can also vote in person at Northwest Library (2300 NW Thurman Street) or at Friendly House (1737 NW 26th Avenue).