The Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association is opposing the city’s plan to tear down and rebuild the South Berkeley Branch and Tool Lending Library. BAHA sent a letter to the planning department on July 16 protesting the proposed demolition because the existing building on Russell Street, designed by architect John Hans Ostwald in 1961, is an “architecturally significant building and a very fine example of Mid-Century Modern architecture.” BAHA would like the city to either adapt the new design to save parts of the building or build a new branch library on another site. “It’s a gem,’ said Anthony Bruce, BAHA executive director. “It’s a small building and it really shows some of he design esthetics of that period —the use of wood in the interior and the indoor-outdoor aspects of it “ The city is preparing an Environmental Impact Report on the proposed demolition, and is asking the public for comments by August 16. Berkeley’s Landmarks Preservation Committee has already reviewed the design for a new building and has not expressed concern about the demolition. However, the committee will review the matter again after the city completes the EIR in the fall. As part of the planning process for the […]
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