Backing off from its crusade for a new law school building, University of Washington officials are willing to accept a plan currently in the state legislature to spend $41 million to renovate Suzzallo Library, the landmark campus centerpiece.
The plan also gives UW the bonding authority to raise money for the new law school. Telling the March 27 Seattle Times “It's not our first choice,” UW President Richard McCormick had lobbied for a new law school for the last two months, along with Governor Gary Locke.
Most legislators felt the cost was too much for a project that would benefit only 600 graduate students, while as many as 15,000 students a day use the library. Many faculty members also felt Suzzallo should be a higher priority.
Assistant Director of Libraries Paula Walker told American Libraries the renovation will be “driven by seismic and life safety concerns.”
Posted April 12, 1999.