The Multnomah County Library's proposal to remodel a building in Kenton for use as a new branch library is currently undergoing a Type II Historic Design Review. A Historic Design Review is required because the site is within the Kenton Commercial Historic District. The district was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on September 3, 2001.
In 2006, voters approved a library levy that included twp new libraries to be located in Troutdale and North Portland. To find a North Portland location, Multnomah County Library conducted a siting process that considered, among other things, the location of schools, traffic routes, visibility, off-street parking, good lighting, and input from the public. On June 17, 2008, County Commissioner Jeff Cogen recommended the location at 8226 N. Denver in Kenton.
The proposed library will be approximately 6000 square feet in size, have a collection of approximately 20,000 books, and hold hours similar to other branch libraries of a comparable size. Other amenities include a community room, children and teen sections, and computers for public use. The new library is expected to open in early 2010.
Changes to the site include adding approximately 1000 square feet of space to the rear of the building, replacing the front window system, replacing the existing canopy, and restoring the Art Deco sign. The parking lot in the rear will be reconfigured to provide bicycle parking and landscaping. Multnomah County Library has leased the site for 10 years, with two five-year options to renew.
A Type II Historic Design Review is an administrative process, no public hearing is held, but the public has 21 days to comment on the proposal. The comment period for this proposal closed March 16. Land Use Services typically announces its decision within 28 days of the initial design review notice being published. Appeals can be filed within 14 days of the decision being announced. If the decision is appealed, the matter goes before the Historic Landmarks Commission.
The Kenton Library decision may be delayed a few days due to a minor issue that needs to be resolved. According to Dave Skilton of Land Use Services, swales need to be installed on the site to filter storm water before it is collected into the storm water drain system. At present, Land Use Services has a favorable view of this proposed use. It is likely that a favorable decision will be made, assuming the storm water issue is resolved.
The library is currently working on construction plans. Once the Historic design review is approved, and no appeal is filed, the Library will begin the permitting process. Construction is expected to begin sometime this summer.
Thanks to June Micklsen from Multnomah County Library and Dave Skilton from Land Use Services for providing information for this story.
Download the Historic Design Review announcement.
Awesome. Thanks, Shooter! It's cool to see the actual design plans...especially ones involving Art Deco signs :)
I will be your first customer! We just moved to Kenton 6 months ago. We LOVE it here. My only complaint was 'no library nearby'. Can't wait to hear when it is ready for the public.
Thank you!
Welcome to the neighborhood, Joan! Glad to hear that you love Kenton and are so excited about the new library. It's hard to beat the location: books and Posies Cafe. We think that's a match made in heaven.