By Rachel M. Lusby
SPECIAL TO THE HIGHLINE TIMES

On Aug. 23rd at the current Foster Library, residents of Tukwila got to take the first peek at some basic plans for a new library, which is to be built on the site of the soon-to-be constructed Tukwila Village.

The new library is designed to be much larger than the current library and will be located on the corner of South 144th Street and Tukwila International Boulevard. It will be on the east side of the highway, across from Jack in the Box.

Residents saw three possible designs for the library, each with its own name: “Mosaic,” “Connection,” and “Gateway.” The architect, Ryan Bussard from Perkins + Will, says he envisions the library as being a community gathering place and wants it to be as “visible” to everyone as possible.

Each design incorporates large open window space, which appeared to be a popular element to those who attended the event. “It lets in a lot of natural light,” several attendees said.

Each roof in each building concept is designed at a slant so rainwater can run safely off the roof and be recycled to create a rain garden. A rain garden is usually a small garden with deep-rooted plants that is designed to endure severe weather and takes advantage of rain runoff. It is visually appealing and environmentally conscious.

As the design process continues, Bussard said more and more of Tukwila’s culture and history will be incorporated in to the buildings.

“It will represent Tukwila,” he said. Bussard said he wants it to reflect the city and its people.

Bussard is also the architect of the Sammamish Library, which has been declared a landmark library.