Work on Pasadena’s Central Library earthquake retrofit is moving forward as crews reach the ground-floor level of the landmark building, which has been closed since May 3, 2021. The closure followed a structural analysis that found the library’s unreinforced masonry walls were not fastened to the building’s foundation, its reinforced concrete floor beams, or the timber roof those walls support.
The city reports ongoing roof work, concrete pours, footing installation, and shotcrete operations. With roof tiles removed, crews covered critical areas near and below the roofline to protect historical finishes ahead of rainfall, and the city said the effort prevented water-related damage.
Worker safety planning is also part of the current phase. The city said misters, fans, shade structures, and water stations were set up across upper levels where heat and sun exposure create higher risk, and they will remain in place as roof work continues.
Below grade, pours are concentrated in three areas on the west side of the basement. The city said that sequencing has supported scheduling concrete pours for the northeast high roof as part of the roof reinforcement scope. Footing and shotcrete work is also progressing in lower levels.
The Central Library at 285 E. Walnut St. is the oldest piece of Pasadena’s Civic Center. Designed by Myron Hunt and H.C. Chambers, the building was dedicated Feb. 12, 1927, totals about 120,000 square feet, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The stated goal of the project is improved seismic performance, increasing resilience to earthquakes while preserving the historic fabric.
Funding for construction was approved by voters in November 2024 through Measure PL, a $195 million general obligation bond. On March 2, the City Council authorized a $177,533,815 increase to PCL Construction Services’ contract, raising it from about $8.65 million for preconstruction and selective demolition to a not-to-exceed total of $186,186,155, with a guaranteed maximum price for full construction. The amended contract includes a 10% local economic impact commitment measured across all phases, including wages for eligible local residents, spending with Pasadena-based suppliers, and payments to local subcontractors.
Read the full, original article from Pasadena Now here.