Capitol Hill Library
Located at the threshold between Capitol Hill’s energetic Broadway corridor and its quiet residential streets, the Seattle Public Library’s Capitol Hill Branch unites two worlds. Within its 10,000 SF footprint, the design blends urban vitality with natural calm, creating a library that is both a neighborhood anchor and a restorative retreat in one of Seattle’s most densely populated communities.
Details
LOCATION Seattle WA
SIZE 10,000 SF
COMPLETED 2003
PARTNER ARCHITECT James Cutler Architects
PHOTOGRAPHY Benjamin Benschneider & Will Austin
AWARDS + RECOGNITION
2010 Architizer
“Capitol Hill Library provides a refuge from the hectic activity of Broadway, a block away, and a living room for the residents of the area. Its corner windows provide a warm and inviting beacon welcoming all.”
— Ray Johnston
Wrapped in a vertical garden that extends inside, the greenery provides shade, texture, and a sense of breathing space in the urban core.
At the heart of the building is an “information commons,” flanked by meeting rooms, bookshelves, and study areas. The space bridges traditional and digital learning, offering flexible technology access alongside comfortable, light-filled places to read and reflect.
