Introduction

The fact that the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records urgently needs to construct a storage facility has been well documented. In order to meet the mandate of this State Agency, new space is required to preserve the State Archives, the Capitol Museum collections and artifacts, and provide additional storage for rare books and unique, historic document materials held by the State Library. In this context, the preservation of archival, museum and library holdings includes the creation of secure space with excellent environmental conditions designed to optimize the useful life of the materials. In addition, new processing and conservation areas, and storage for pre-archival records are required.

The 2004 Arizona Legislature appropriated $2,000,000 for the design and site preparation of a state archives and history building and related infrastructure (Laws 2004, Chapter 194).

On June 16, 2004 the Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA) issued a request for proposal for architectural/engineering services for the new facility, specifically to "provide design and construction administration including preliminary budget estimates, programming, site planning, schematic design, design development, contract document and contract administration."

On August 9, 2004, the Arizona Department of Administration, with the assistance of the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records (ASLAPR), chose DWL Architects & Planners, Inc. from a shortlist of four firms to provide these services. DWL has hired twelve consultants/ firms from throughout the United States to assist with specialized aspects of the planning and design of the facility.

The programmatic plan has had several antecedents: the 1986 Smith, Hinchman & Grylls/Southwest plan., the 1997 ASLAPR space projections document, the 2001 "Polly Rosenbaum Archives Building Proposed Facility Plan" and its 2004 update, the October 15, 2001 Vince Murray memorandum to FAZA, and the August, 2004 FAZA "Areas of Concern" document outlining eight points.. All of these documents have been carefully reviewed.

The current document is based on tours, extensive interactive meetings and review of several draft reports between ADOA staff, ASLAPR staff and DWL architects, planners and their consultants from August through October, 2004.

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