QUARTZ HILL – Construction has commenced on the new Quartz Hill Library for the County of Los Angeles.
The project team — consisting of SVA Architects, the Griffin|Swinerton joint venture, and the County of Los Angeles — hosted a groundbreaking ceremony July 27 to recognize the milestone. The new, 12,514-square-foot Quartz Hill Library will replace the existing 3,500-square-foot facility, which is outdated and does not meet the needs of the growing community.
Set on a 1.7-acre site at 5040 West Avenue M2, the new state-of-the-art library will feature a campus-like environment, with central public gathering spaces and outdoor learning courtyards. The facility will include adult, teen and children’s reading areas, an early childhood/family area, programming space, a homework center, two group study rooms, a 100-seat community meeting room with audio/visual system, express-service checkout machines at the lobby, information services pods, public access computers, Wi-Fi, staff areas and public restrooms, according to developers.
The project will cost approximately $12 million and will serve as a new central gathering place for the residents of Quartz Hill.
Developed for the County of Los Angeles, the new Quartz Hill library was designed by SVA Architects and is being constructed by a joint venture between Swinerton Builders and Griffin Structures. The project is being developed through a public private partnership, otherwise known as a P3 project.
The library is being designed, built, financed, and funded by the private sector entity, and then presented to Los Angeles County for occupancy under a three-year lease with option to purchase agreement. This is the result of an RFP issued through the County CEO office.
“The public private partnership creates an environment where the developer, contractor, and architect work together throughout the entire process,” Ernesto M. Vasquez, CEO of SVA Architects, stated in a news release. “It allows the development team to guarantee the building be completed within a certain timeframe and budget.”
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of this team, and we are looking forward to providing an outstanding new civic amenity to the community,” Vasquez added.
The new library will also feature many sustainable features, such as rooftop photovoltaic panels, bioswales, drought-tolerant landscaping, maximized controlled daylighting and controlled interior lighting. The facility is designed to achieve a minimum certification of LEED® Silver from the United States Green Building Council with the potential to earn Gold certification.
The library is projected to open in November of 2016.
–
[Information via news release from SVA Architects.]
–