With the completion of restoration and renovation work on the interior of the historic 1910 Carnegie Library earlier this year, the Edmonds Museum Board has shifted its focus to the building exterior with the goal of creating a new public space for the enjoyment of our citizens and visitors to our town. The Carnegie Library has been home to the Edmonds Historical Museum since 1973.

My Edmonds News has been treated to a preview of the plans, which will be formally presented to the community at the Museum’s upcoming Heritage Days banquet on October 24.

“The initial plans were guided by a focus group of community stakeholders whose input, suggestions and ideas were incorporated into a preliminary design,” said Bill Lambert, Museum Board President. “And we are extremely fortunate to have the design services of Clayton Moss, who pulled this all together into a stunning preliminary concept.”

Moss is the owner of Forma, a nationally-recognized Edmonds-based environmental graphic design company. He is familiar with local design standards, having previously worked on developing these for the city of Edmonds. He was instrumental in the design of Hazel Miller Plaza, and once again generously stepped forward and donated his services to the Museum Plaza Project.

The design calls for enhancing the Museum exterior with plaza areas, new plantings, a water feature, benches and display structures. Incorporating design elements that reflect the Hazel Miller Plaza, the new Museum Plaza will help form a visually and aesthetically connected corridor along Fifth Avenue, linking Hazel Miller Plaza, the Cedar Dreams Fountain, the Log Cabin, Centennial Square, the new Veterans Memorial and the planned 9-11 Memorial.

Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Cultural Service Director Carrie Hite has reviewed the preliminary plans with several members of her staff, and is excited about the ideas.

“I think it looks fabulous and will really create an amazing gathering area for the community,” she said.

“We’re really excited to present these plans to the community at large at our upcoming Heritage Days banquet and fund raiser,” said Lambert. “In addition to being the first to see the new plans, attendees will enjoy a great evening of raffles, auctions, music, speakers and entertainment, and it’s all to support the Museum in its role of preserving our past, celebrating our present, and planning for our future. Last year was a sell-out, and this year’s tickets are going fast.”

Learn more Heritage Days and how to purchase tickets here.

— By Larry Vogel