The Larkspur Planning Commission is scheduled to review plans tonight for the new library at 10 Rose Lane in Larkspur, Marin County. The proposed civic building will replace a vacant 2.4-acre parcel fairly close to the city center. Berkeley-based studio Noll & Tam Architects is responsible for the design.
The newly-released details for the Larkspur Library show a long, narrow structure parallel to the surface parking lot. Inside the library, visitors can find community seating and bookshelves, a children’s seating and collection area, and a teen space. Four small study rooms will provide space for focused reading, while three meeting rooms on the far end of the floor will provide space for group functions.
Larkspur Library on Rose Lane pedestrian view, rendering by Noll & Tam Architects
Larkspur Library on Rose Lane site map, illustration by RHAA
The exterior will be clad with redwood siding, bronze-tone metal roofing, cement plaster, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The inclusion of grey wood paneling and bold geometric shaping is evocative of the regional vernacular style, often referred to as the Bay Tradition.
RHAA will oversee the landscape architecture. Across the 2.4-acre site, landscaping will reshape 0.85 acres of new planting area alongside 0.37 acres of untouched natural habitat. The library will span nearly 9,000 square feet of floor area, including 2,100 square feet of community space and 6,800 square feet for the library and associated infrastructure. Parking will be included for 32 cars with a surface parking lot.
Plans for the library have been buoyed by $5.2 million in private fundraising organized by The Commons Foundation. The nonprofit organization was formed to support the construction of the modern library and associated landscaping.
Larkspur Library on Rose Lane, rendering by Noll & Tam Architects
Larkspur Library on Rose Lane elevations, rendering by Noll & Tam Architects
The site is located at the corner of Rose Lane and Doherty Drive, by a retail strip mall along with the Mount Tam Racquet Club on Magnolia Avenue. Much of the foot traffic entering the library is likely to come from the Hall Middle School campus located across Doherty Drive.
The July article by Giuseppe Ricapito for the Marin Independent Journal reports that the library is expected to cost around $16 million, including the $5.2 million raised by The Commons Foundation. Construction is expected to start later this year, with the building opening as early as 2026. Alten Construction will be the general contractor.
Larkspur Library on Rose Lane, image via Google Street View
The Larkspur Planning Commission is scheduled to review the updated design for the proposed Library tonight, September 17th, starting at 7 PM. Public comment will be possible to submit via email before 4 PM today or in person at the Redwood High School Kreps Conference Room. For more information on how to attend and participate, visit the meeting agenda here.
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What a great addition to Larkspur. Long overdue. Now this town can have a library serving the community that rivals Mill Valley and Tiburon.