The District Dynamos have been collecting feedback from many Ward Eight residents about the Washington Highlands Library Project. Below are the major reasons that we gathered for a renovation of the current Washington Highlands building. These points are supported by at least two entire Ward Eight ANC Commissions, ANC-8D and ANC-8E.
1) The current Washington Highlands Library building is very strong – This building was built in 1959 when construction methods did not cut any corners. The foundation and supporting cross-beams are 18 inch thick reinforced concrete. DC Public Library conducted a renovation study in 2008 showing the current super-structure is in very good shape. As an example, it took almost one month of daily pounding with heavy machinery to tear out the Anacostia and Benning Libraries, which both were built around the same time, by the same builders, using similar construction materials and strength.
2) Demolition will be disruptive – Besides all the noise and dust, tearing out the current library foundation will be quite a feat, given the building is built into the bottom of a large hill and is surmised to be sitting on top of underground streams. In all likelihood the retaining wall holding back the hill will sustain damage during demolition... or DCPL may remove this wall completely. There are serious concerns that homes adjacent to and above the library on the hill will be negatively impacted, perhaps seriously, posing quite a precarious situation for all neighbors living around the library.
3) Renovation will save money – The DC Public Library 2008 renovation study shows that a renovation of the current Washington Highlands Library would save about two million dollars in construction costs. Some people in the construction business believe that this is a conservative figure, and the savings may be several millions of dollars or more.
4) A renovation will modernize and add space – A renovation of the current library will allow for modern technological and infrastructure needs. It will also add a brand new skin, giving it the appearance of a brand new library without having to tear it down. In addition, The Washington Highlands Library was built with the capacity to add another floor at a later date. A sun-filled atrium could top your newly renovated Washington Highlands Library, giving the building a new modern look, while adding more square footage to provide more library services.
5) There is only one library in Ward Eight – If you don't count the Parklands-Turner kiosk, the Washington Highlands Library is the only full-service library in Ward Eight. A renovation of the current Washington Highlands Library would free up money to build other locations in underserved areas of Ward Eight. This is especially important since there is no other funding in the pipeline for more Ward Eight Library services in the future.
6) More libraries to serve Ward Eight youth – Ward Eight has the most kids living in it than any other Ward in the City. Don't they deserve more than one library to keep them engaged in positive activities after school and during the summer months? A renovation would free up the money needed to build other library locations – like storefront libraries which cost about $750,000 to construct and about $600,000 to operate annually.
