FRIENDS OF HAYWARD LIBRARY

New Library Opening Anticipated By Late June

After a brief work stoppage, construction is back on track and nearing completion on the Hayward new main library—with the building anticipated to open to the public for regular operations before summer.

Once finished, the new 21st Century Library and Community Learning Center at 888 C Street will be one of the largest net-zero energy public buildings in the country, and offer users an expansive collection of reading, audio and visual materials, dozens of new computers, a new digital media lab and a new makerspace featuring 3D printers and robotics, and a homework support center for students.

The three-story, 58,000-square foot building will set a new standard in environmental sustainability. In addition to being 100-percent energy self-sufficient and carbon-free, it will conserve drinking water by capturing, filtering and storing rainwater for non-potable uses such as flushing toilets and irrigation. Its interior of clean, contemporary lines and open floor plans are adorned with creations of local and Bay Area artists, and contain multiple community meeting rooms and a café, promising to become a new cultural, educational and civic hub in the heart of downtown.

This capacity diagram shows the size of Heritage Plaza. It is equal to the size of San Francisco’s Union Square. Heritage Plaza’s two main plaza areas - one in the center oval, and one along the C Street hardscape - have a total capacity for up to 4,000 event attendees

This image from the November 18, 2014 design presentation shows a schematic view and estimated event capacity of the Heritage Plaza. (Click to enlarge)

To get a sense of the scale, check out the the little red rectangles inside the center oval. Those represent 20′ long food trucks. The little red squares at the top of the oval represent 10′ by 10′ farmer’s market tents. 

Heritage Plaza dates back to Hayward’s founding days in the mid-1800’s. The site was part of the homestead of Hayward’s first landowner and rancher, Don Guillermo Castro. When Castro subdivided and sold his land holdings in 1864, he dedicated one full city block to the people of Hayward for use as a public plaza in perpetuity.

The 21st Century Library construction is progressing nicely. Expect to see robust construction activity continue for the next several months. Here are the latest developments:

• During construction, the safety of pedestrians, motorists, bicyclists and construction workers is our #1 priority. Please use caution and observe all signs when walking, bicycling, or driving in the area.
  
  
• The reinforced concrete foundation and supporting walls are nearly complete. Construction of the steel framing has begun and is expected to be complete in early November. This work includes installing the steel decking support material and working on the concrete deck slabs. That effort will help provide a more weatherproof work area before the rainy season. After the steel framing is complete, the installation of pipes and ducts will commence.
  
  
• The projected opening of the new library is January 2018. There is a good possibility that the project will be completed early depending on weather conditions and other factors.

The 21st Century Library and Heritage Plaza is the most environmentally sustainable public building ever to begin construction in Hayward. The new library will be 100% solar powered, and the new plaza will feature a significant rainwater recycling system, an important consideration in drought-prone California.

This image from the November 18, 2014 design presentation shows a schematic view of the proposed rainwater catchment and storage system. (Click to enlarge)

The Heritage Plaza renovation plan includes an innovative underground rainwater catchment and recycling system that will save and recycle 400,000 gallons of rainwater per year. The water will be filtered and treated then used to flush toilets in the new library and irrigate the trees and landscaping in the plaza.