A February 13 report by City Auditor Susan Cohen warns that Seattle’s $162-million Central Library construction project on Fourth Avenue is four months behind schedule and risks going over budget. The new library, which began construction in 2001, was originally scheduled to open by October 2003, but the date was later pushed back to January 2004 at the earliest.
The report also noted that the library will find it “extremely challenging” to completely move out by December 31 when the lease at its temporary location on Pike Street expires, and that in order to catch up, some construction tasks will need to be performed at the same time instead of sequentially.
Capital Program Director Alex Harris said in the February 14 Seattle Times that the library would not have to go back to the city for more money. “We do not expect the project to exceed budget, and we expect to complete it within the revised schedule,” she added.
Councilwoman Jan Drago reviewed the audit report and told reporters that library officials have assured her they are making contingency plans in case the project is further delayed. “If it slips, it will be by weeks, not months,” she said.
Posted February 17, 2003.