Renovation of a library in Anchorage, Alaska. Conceptual plans call for the renovation of a library.

Update:This project will renovate the children's area on the second floor of Z.J. Loussac Library. One of the most popular and well-used spaces in the Library, the area has not been updated since the Library opened in 1986. In addition to an outdated floor plan that hinders efficiency, the space looks worn down and the carpet is unpeeling and worn in many places. The project includes architectural and engineering design; replacement of carpet, shelving, and furniture; lighting, structural, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) upgrades; and a reconfiguration of the layout to be more welcoming to children and more efficient for the modern needs of a library. The 2013 Loussac Library Master Plan and a 2017 cost estimate by HMS put the project at $2.35M (includes construction, architectural/engineering (A/E), project management, permits, 1% for art, and contingency) for a spring 2021 construction date. The Library seeks guidance from the Administration on the best approach to funding this project, potentially over several bond cycles. We could use a first-year bond to fund A/E fees, as well as some of the most critical needs, and seek a second bond to complete the project. It is possible that if a bond is passed, the Library Foundation could use that to leverage future private funding. Project is included in Municipality of Anchorage Fiscal Year 2025-2030 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This project will renovate the children's area on the second floor of Z.J. Loussac Library. One of the most popular and well-used spaces in the Library, the area has not been updated since the Library opened in 1986. In addition to an outdated floor plan that hinders efficiency, the space looks worn down and the carpet is unpeeling and worn in many places. The project includes architectural and engineering design; replacement of carpet, shelving, and furniture; lighting, structural, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) upgrades; and a reconfiguration of the layout to be more welcoming to children and more efficient for the modern needs of a library. The 2013 Loussac Library Master Plan and a 2017 cost estimate by HMS put the project at $2.35M (includes construction, architectural/engineering (A/E), project management, permits, 1% for art, and contingency) for a spring 2021 construction date. The Library seeks guidance from the Administration on the best approach to funding this project, potentially over several bond cycles. We could use a first-year bond to fund A/E fees, as well as some of the most critical needs, and seek a second bond to complete the project. It is possible that if a bond is passed, the Library Foundation could use that to leverage future private funding. As July 29, 2025, this project is currently in the FY 2025-2030 CIP. Information regarding a design firm and the general contractor selection timeline has not been disclosed. A firm construction timeline has not been released. *Project information has been obtained through a public capital improvement plan (CIP). A CIP is a financial schedule for short- and long-range projects which is updated regularly. Information listed in the CIP often evolves based on funding availability and the project details, including timeline and value, are subject to change. The content management team will continue to pursue additional details as they become available.