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.

Subscribe for weekly updates

Major impacts

The large crane that has been on the Pritchard jobsite since late 2024 will be removed the weekend of Jan. 31 – Feb. 1.

  • 15th Avenue SW west of Water Street will be closed.
  • All assigned parking stalls along 15th Avenue SW west of Water Street will be closed.
  • Assigned parkers have been notified.
  • EV charging stations behind John L. O’Brien (JLOB) and John A. Cherberg (JAC) Buildings will be closed.
  • Entering and exiting JAC via south facing doors will be limited to emergencies only.
  • Increased truck traffic on campus.

Before visiting campus, please note:

  • The construction site is fenced in, limiting some pedestrian routes and parking.
  • Expect increased noise, dust and construction traffic during work hour from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • The Pritchard, Cherberg and O'Brien parking lots are closed.
  • The sidewalk on the south side of 15th Avenue SW west of Water Street is closed.
  • The sidewalk on the west side of Water Street south of 15th Avenue SW is closed.

Latest updates

Exterior

A construction crew putting up the exterior concrete walls of the Joel Pritchard Building, which is surrounded by construction equipment. The lower portion of a large crane is visible in front of the building.
  • Exterior concrete cladding installation complete.

Windows

The front side of the Joel Pritchard Building, which has large glass windows on the first and second floors. The building is surrounded by chain link fencing and construction equipment.
  • First floor window frames and windows have been installed.
  • Roof of expansion is finished.

Interior

The unfinished interior of the Joel Pritchard Building, consisting of steel framework, vents, pipes, and a concrete floor. Construction workers and equipment are scattered throughout.
  • Interior construction is well underway.
  • New transformer, generator and chillers have been installed.

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.

Related links