Building Projects
Central Library
Photo of New Central Library. Interior and exterior finishing work continues on all levels. Landscaping in courtyard progresses. Work on auditorium is underway.
Project is over 90% complete.
The new Central Library is now under construction and almost complete! The current Central Library will be closing on Sunday, June 9 (PDF) in preparation for the move. Save the date for the Grand Opening of the new Central Library, which has been set for Saturday, September 28. More details will be posted here as we get closer to our celebration.
In an historic decision on June 28, 2010, the City Council approved construction of the New Central Library! This move helps improve the entire 35-branch library system and benefits San Diegans for generations to come.
Project Overview
Note: New Central Library was formerly referred to as New Main Library.
Proposed New Central Library. Illustration courtesy of Rob Wellington Quigley, FAIA
| Location: | 330 Park Blvd San Diego, CA 92101 (Downtown in East Village, Park Boulevard at 11th Avenue, near Petco Park) Metropolitan Transit System Bus and Trolley routes |
| Building Size: | 497,652 square feet (nine stories including a charter high school on two floors, two levels of parking, an auditorium and coffee bar) |
| Architects: | Rob Wellington Quigley, FAIA and Tucker Sadler & Associates |
| Construction Manager at Risk: | Turner Construction |
A new, 21st century high school located on the Central Library's 6th and 7th floors. See more detail about the school and how to enroll at www.e3civichigh.com
Additional Information About the Project
- New Central Library Visual Floor Plan (PDF)
- About the Project (Library Foundation)
- Frequently Asked Questions (Library Foundation)
- New Central News (Library Foundation)
- Groundbreaking Celebration, July 28, 2010
- Dome Topping Off Ceremony, October 5, 2012
Videos
- New Central Library Nears Construction Completion (10-9-12 YouTube video)
Interviews with San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders, Carmen Vann and Doug Wenck of Turner Construction Company, and Architect Rob Wellington Quigley on the progress of this iconic library. - New Central Library BIM Modeling
Turner Construction is using Building Information Modeling (BIM) to improve efficiencies in building San Diego's New Central Library. This model shows different elements of the structural build from when the project was at grade through completion in 2013. - New Central Modeling of Ground Level Entrance, Auditorium, Lobby and more
Artist rendering of outside entrance to the library, inside auditorium, inside the three story main lobby, and the 9th floor under the dome. - Video of New Central Library
Architect Rob Quigley discusses the new downtown library project. - The Garden Courtyard
An animated look at what is sure to be a favorite outdoor meeting and gathering place for all San Diegans. - New Central Library's Lobby from the Second Floor
The glass-enclosed, three story lobby is a dramatic entrance into the library. - Sun Video
Animation that shows how movement of the sun through the day will change the shadows on the new Central Library.
Project Planning Documents
- Central Library Planning Documents and Facts (California State Library)
- A Vision for San Diego's New Central Library (PDF)
- 2002 New Central Vision Summit (PDF)
- Site Selection Process (PDF)
- Other Central Libraries in California (PDF)