Walla Walla Public Library moves toward $16 Million renovation following strong contractor interest
By Dan Thesman on Friday, March 13th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – Plans for a $16 million overhaul of the Walla Walla Public Library are moving forward after a pre-bid site inspection drew more than 60 attendees, Walla Walla City Manager Elizabeth Chamberlain announced during Wednesday’s city council meeting.
The project aims to modernize the 1970s-era facility at 238 Alder St., which officials say has failed to keep pace with the technological and accessibility needs of a 21st-century community. The renovation, designed by architects BuildingWork of Seattle, will include critical infrastructure upgrades to electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, as well as a 700-square-foot expansion to create a “Great Hall”.
“It was an opportunity for the contractors to see the space, go up on the roof, look up in the ceiling, go down in the basement,” Chamberlain said of the March 4 inspection, noting that 21 or 22 general contractors were among the attendees.
To accommodate construction, the library will close its doors on April 4 and relocate to a temporary space at 115 W. Main St. The temporary location is expected to open during the week of April 20.
Bids for the project will open on March 25 at 3 p.m. Construction is slated to begin next month, with a projected completion date in Spring 2027. The renovation is being funded primarily through grants and donations.
File photo of an artist concept for the library
