Branciforte Branch Library Renovation / Tucked into a Santa Cruz neighborhood near a local elementary school, Branciforte Library occupies an iconic mid-century building dating to 1967. The community hoped to update the building without losing its character and the $4.1-million renovation, completed in 2023, accomplished just that. Landscape improvements included an ADA-compliant main entrance with new plantings, paving, and bicycle parking, as well as an exterior patio transformed into an inviting, flexible children’s reading area anchored by a built-in bench and new plantings.
Photo: David Wakely Photography
Client: Santa Cruz Public Library
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
Dates: 2019-2023
Size: 6,800-s.f. building, 1/2-acre lot
Cost: $4.1 million
Architect: Jayson Architecture
Civil Engineer: BKF Engineers
Contractor: JPB Designs
Owner Representative: Bogard Construction
Original Architect: Spencer, Lee and Busse
Original Landscape Architect: Roy Rydell
Photo: David Wakely Photography
Hand-drawn sketch of library entry concept.
Hand-drawn sketch of children’s reading courtyard concept.