CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, California — The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea and the Carmel Public Library Foundation proudly announce that the Architect Selection Committee (ASC) has selected the architect for the multi-year restoration of the historic 1928 Harrison Memorial Library. This marks the first comprehensive interior restoration of the 7,300-square-foot facility in nearly a century, ensuring its historical and cultural significance is preserved for generations to come.

Background

Last year, the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea commissioned a master planning study to assess the library’s condition. The study revealed the need to improve accessibility, enhance seismic and other systems, upgrade technology, and optimize programmatic space layouts to better serve the community. These findings laid the groundwork for the Centennial Restoration Project, guided by principles of architectural preservation and a dedication to Carmel-by-the-Sea’s unique values and traditions.

Project Highlights

The project will upgrade critical systems, enhance accessibility, improve visitor flow, and rejuvenate the building’s iconic interiors. These upgrades will ensure the library remains a functional and beautiful space for the community while incorporating enhancements to support the requirements of future library services.

Selection Process

The 19-member ASC, co-chaired by Lacy Williams Buck and Library Foundation Board President Marci Meaux, included Carmel residents, Carmel’s Mayor, Harrison Library Board of Trustee and Carmel Public Library Foundation representatives, and experts in architecture and history. Following a formal Request for Proposal process and presentations by the two finalist companies, the Moore Ruble Yudell architectural firm was chosen for their expertise in thoughtful preservation and their ability to respect the building’s history while implementing necessary upgrades. The firm is renowned for its award-winning projects and commitment to sensitive architectural restoration.

About the Harrison Memorial Library

The historic 1928 Harrison Memorial Library, with its domestic scale and human-centric design, embodies Carmel’s ethos of “intimate, rural charm and village character.” The library is a cherished community landmark, central to Carmel-by-the-Sea’s rich architectural, artistic, and literary traditions.

Next Steps

Before work officially begins, a project agreement between the City and Carmel Public Library Foundation and a contract between the City and the selected architect will be considered by the Carmel-by-the-Sea City Council at an upcoming public meeting. Once the agreements are approved, the community will be invited to participate through collaborative meetings and periodic updates.

Funding and Support

The Carmel Public Library Foundation is leading a capital campaign to fund the project, with the goal of completing construction by the library’s Centennial year in 2028. To propel the campaign forward, a generous matching $5 million gift was made and $500,000 was contributed for initial architectural work. To meet the campaign’s goals, $5 million in matching funds must be pledged by June 30, 2025.

Community members who value the library’s architectural beauty and historical significance are encouraged to support the Centennial Restoration. Contact Carmel Public Library Foundation Director Alexandra Fallon at (831) 624-2811 or afallon@carmelpubliclibraryfoundation.org.

Quotes from Key Leaders

Carmel Mayor Dale Byrne, in supporting this public-private partnership, states, “Following an extensive selection process, Moore Ruble Yudell’s presentation showed them to be a fitting choice for this historic project. We look forward to finalizing and receiving City Council approval of the contracts and seeing the entire community coming together for this transformational effort.”

Library Foundation Board President Marci Meaux emphasized the importance of preservation, saying, “This restoration will honor the Harrison Memorial Library’s original design while upgrading the library for future generations. We are grateful for the support of the City Council and our community.”

Alexandra Fallon, Executive Director of the Carmel Public Library Foundation said, “This project will preserve a significant historic landmark building and ensure a vibrant space for future generations to learn, connect, and thrive. We are committed to bringing this vision to life and deeply appreciate the support that makes it all possible.”

John Krisher, President of the Library Board of Trustees, highlighted the project’s commitment to accessibility, noting, “I look forward to working with the Carmel Public Library Foundation, Library Director Ashlee Wright, patrons, and the library Board of Trustees in restoring the Harrison Memorial Library. Collaborating through this project, we can accomplish much-needed refurbishment of our beloved library, simultaneously providing improved ADA compliance and preserving its historic character for future generations to enjoy.

Buzz Yudell, Partner at Moore Ruble Yudell, commented, “As a Carmel resident who has long cherished this unique community and its rich architectural heritage, I am deeply inspired by the opportunity to help prepare the treasured Harrison Memorial Library building— a center of civic life and learning for nearly a century— for the next hundred years of community and civic inspiration.”

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