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Aptos, California, April 8, 2024 — The Santa Cruz Public Library recently reopened its new Aptos branch after an 18-month comprehensive reconstruction effort. Designed by San Jose-based Anderson Brulé Architects (ABA) and built through a design-build contract by Santa Cruz builder Bogard Construction (Bogard), the Aptos branch was redesigned to cater to contemporary library patrons requirements, ABA and the Bogard team worked hard to integrate feedback from the local Aptos community into the design and construction process.
“The Aptos Library will be a tremendous asset to the community for many years to come,” said Jared Bogard, President of Bogard Construction. “Bogard Construction is honored to partner with the County of Santa Cruz on this project as it is a true example of how a public project can be successfully designed/build delivered. Our partnership with ABA Architects has been a great success and we have provided great support for our entire design and The subcontractor team members are proud. We sincerely thank the county representatives for their unwavering commitment to this project. This is a project we can all be proud of.”
The 12,408-square-foot, $12.4 million library includes a new community room, a dedicated teen space and patio, three group study rooms, an adult reading room with an adjoining patio, Aptos History The museum’s selection of exhibitions, a dedicated children’s area, and the charming Living Like Coco Foundation children’s reading garden.
The library is located on a prominent corner site and its exterior design reflects the rich history of the Aptos community and its unique setting that stretches from forest to sea. A large window allows the community to view the library, which is particularly noticeable at night. It has a footprint that is over 50% larger than its predecessor and also offers expanded parking facilities to better accommodate visitors. In addition, the building features ample solar panels, large windows that bring in natural light, landscaped gardens and terraces, and multifunctional community spaces that can accommodate a variety of events and activities.
“As architects, we don’t approach projects with specific design solutions and aesthetics in mind,” says Mark Schoeman, principal of ABA design at the American Institute of Architects (AIA). “This attitude is especially important for a project with a unique public character like a library. So when we began construction on the new Aptos branch building, we wanted community meetings to not only provide us with design direction, but and emphasizes that Aptos residents are important partners in creating a building that is ultimately theirs.”
The design-build delivery method brings the best collaboration between the contractor, architect, county and library to provide the best facilities for the community. Benefits include efficiency, cost-effectiveness, design and construction timelines, and community involvement. The construction process for the Aptos branch was managed from design to development by Santa Cruz County Capital Projects Director Damon Adlao in partnership with Bogard Construction and ABA.
“The community, library, county, ABA and Bogard successfully collaborated to build the Aptos library branch,” Adlao said. “This new library reflects the surrounding community, from the forest to the ocean, and will provide a space for the community to come together. The branch will be a unique asset that the community will cherish for generations to come, and I am honored to be a part of this process.”
The Aptos Library Branch has been developed as a net-zero structure that generates as much energy as it uses year-round. Additionally, it is designed to use only half the energy of a typical library, making it an extremely efficient building. The orientation of the building will maximize the use of sunlight, not only to generate solar energy but also for indoor lighting. Skylights will minimize the need for artificial lighting, even in the most central interior spaces. In addition, drought-tolerant landscaping will support low water use and reduce stormwater runoff, and bioswales will be used to filter water.
“Our beautiful new library in Aptos embodies the values of our community, from its commitment to lifelong learning and civic engagement to its thoughtful design, which not only reflects Aptos’ history and where land meets sea unique environment and includes energy-efficient design features,” said Interim Director Eric Howard. “This will be a community asset for generations to come.”
About Anderson Brulé Architects, Inc.
Founded in 1984 and headquartered in San Jose, ABA is an architecture, interior design, and strategic planning firm that works with clients in the community, education, and health and wellness markets. In its 40 years of practice, the firm has expressed its design vision by creating welcoming, sustainable and holistic community-oriented buildings. From libraries and community centers to academic and health care spaces, ABA works with a variety of program types across California. To learn more, visit http://aba-arch.com.
About Bogarde Construction Company
Bogard Construction was founded in Santa Cruz in 1947 by Victor Bogard, Sr. Currently owned and operated by third and fourth generation family members, Bogard provides general contracting, design/build, construction management and project management services throughout Northern California. Bogarde’s experience spans a variety of project sizes and types, including healthcare, multi-residential, houses of worship, retail, schools, office buildings, libraries and more. To learn more about Bogard Construction, visit www.bogardconstruction.com.
About the Santa Cruz Public Library System
The Santa Cruz Public Library (SCPL) brings people, information and resources together to enrich lives and strengthen communities. SCPL provides every Santa Cruz community member with opportunities to learn through educational resources, curriculum and staff support. The library develops programs for the community at large, as well as students, seniors, and the most vulnerable, including the homeless and incarcerated. SCPL also curates specialist collections such as genealogy and local history. Learn more about SCPL at SantaCruzPL.org or on social media. To obtain the SCPL press kit, visit https://www.santacruzpl.org/press-kit/.
About the Ministry of Community Development and Infrastructure
The Santa Cruz County Community Development and Infrastructure Department serves all unincorporated areas of the county. The department’s mission is to improve customer service, streamline projects and coordinate public infrastructure and private development to further the County’s goals of attainable housing, reliable transportation and a sustainable environment. For more information, visit https://dpw.co.santa-cruz.ca.us or follow the department on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and next door.
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