Fort Vancouver Regional Library District has selected Portland-based architectural partnership Opsis Architecture and Johnston Architects to design the planned Eastside library at the Firstenburg Community Center in Vancouver.
Opsis-Johnston was one of six firms competing for the contract, and was selected by an advisory committee of library staff, members of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library Board of Trustees and community representatives.
“In the final analysis, the committee was most impressed with the partnership’s combined understanding of great design, balanced with library functionality, their flexibility in working with clients, and the depth of their regional experience,” said FVRL Executive Director Bruce Ziegman.
Upon completion of contract negotiations, Opsis-Johnston will lead the project through design and construction to bring the 25,000-square-foot building to fruition. The planned new library was made possible through a 2006 bond facility, providing $43 million for this and two other library projects, all of which are in the preliminary planning stages. Public participation and input will be encouraged during the conceptual and design phase of the Eastside library project.
Opsis/Johnston Architects have served clients in the Pacific Northwest since 1999, providing services in Clark County for Vancouver Parks and Recreation and Clark College.
-Neil Zawicki
