Joel Pritchard Building

Architectural rendering of the new Joel M. Pritchard Library
Architect renderings by DLR Group and HBB Landscape Architecture.

The Pritchard Rehabilitation and Expansion Project addresses the significant functional, health and life safety hazards of the Joel Pritchard Building (Pritchard) that were outlined in the 2017 State Capitol Development Study and earlier phases of the LCM Predesign study. Some issues included:

  • More than 60 percent of the building was empty because it was built for book storage and could not be used as office space.
  • The building’s proximity to a steep, unstable slope and its inadequate lateral resistance system increased the risk of failure during a seismic event.

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Major impacts

At this time, all work on the Pritchard Rehabilitation and Expansion Project is taking place within construction fencing.

  • 15th Avenue SW west of Water Street is closed through July 31.
  • Assigned parking stalls behind John A. Cherberg (JAC) Building are closed through Dec. 31.
  • EV charging stations and assigned parking stalls behind the John L. O’Brien (JLOB) Building are closed through Dec. 31.
  • EV Charging stations behind John A. Cherberg (JAC) Building are closed through July 31.

Latest updates

Exterior

Building exterior cladding and window installation is complete. A worker uses a pressure washer to clean the cladding while on a Genie lift.
  • Building exterior cladding and window installation is complete.

Interior

A worker is shown in a hallway painting the first floor while various other construction tasks are still awaiting completion.
  • Painting first floor.

More construction photos.

Stay up to date

To stay up to date on the progress of the Joel Pritchard Building Rehabilitation and Expansion Project, subscribe to the LCM Weekly Update. LCM Weekly Update Oct. 7-11

View updated project photos.

Project schedule

April 2020 - March 2022: Preservation/Expansion Predesign and Validation study

April 2022 - February 2024: Programming and design

March 2024 - June 2024: Hazmat abatement and deconstruction

July 2024 - October 2024: Hillside stabilization

November 2024 - August 2026: Building construction

Substantial completion expected by end of July 2026

Public Involvement

The design underwent months of public input, including an environmental review and feedback from the LCM Landscape Peer Review Panel.

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