A $21.5 million project gives everyone's favorite study spot, Suzzallo Library, a solid foundation for the next 100 years.
On a bright afternoon in April, Benjamin Franklin peered from his niche on the west face of Suzzallo Library while staying hidden behind a veil of scaffolding and black netting. For months, one of the University of Washington’s most iconic buildings and its statues and galleries have been wrapped up, their collegiate Gothic grandeur hidden while crews prepare the structure for the next big earthquake.
Widely known as one of the country’s most beautiful and architecturally significant college libraries, Suzzallo has inspired students and faculty since its construction was completed in 1926. Its sky-high arches, intricate stonework and beloved reading room draw visitors from around the world. But those same delightful details, the parapets, finials and statues, also pose a risk.
“In a major earthquake, pieces of that masonry could break loose and fall,” says Andrew Ellis of GLY Construction, manager of the $21.5 million seismic improvement project. “They become projectiles.” When the 2001 Nisqually earthquake shook the region, Suzzallo held strong structurally—but four decorative finials did fall 70 feet, crashing to the steps below.
Suzzallo Library, with its iconic facade, is undergoing a $21.5 million seismic improvement and restoration project. Scaffolding and mesh cover the building’s exterior for safety.
The library’s makeover focuses on its oldest wings, dating to 1925 and 1935. Crews are stitching the building together with thousands of steel pins so its layers of brick, sandstone, terra cotta and cast stone can move together during seismic activity. The towers are being reinforced from within, finials anchored to the roof, and Ben Franklin and the 17 other exterior statues, secured in place.
With scaffolding already put up, the project has become a rare opportunity to give the century-old exterior a long-overdue refresh. Crews are tackling decades of grime and cracked masonry while removing the ferns that have taken root in damp crevices. Roofing is being replaced. Even the 35-foot leaded and stained glass windows are getting attention.
At peak, dozens of workers ranging from masons to structural engineers and specialty preservationists have joined the effort. But when the scaffolding finally comes down in late 2026, their efforts should be nearly invisible. And just in time for the celebration of the structure’s centennial.
The netting and scaffolding now will be worth the inconvenience, says UW project manager Pasqual Contreras. “We’re preserving the building for the next 100 years.”