About thirty workers work daily on the renovation of the Koldo Mitxelena Center, closed for works since June last year and whose reopening is expected around summer 2026. For the first time as the beginning of the architectural intervention, the building shows the bare interiors of an infrastructure usually full of bibliographic collections and users. What was initially envisaged as an overall renovation of the library remained a partial reform, after a arduous path interrupted by the pandemic. Now the goal is to renew the obsolete systems, put an end to water leaks from the roof and adapt accessibility to current regulations. however, one thing leads to another and along the way new needs have emerged which will extend the works for around a year and a half.
With a budget of around eight million euros which will allow work on the 7,200 square meters divided over four floors, UTE Cycasa Canteras y Construcciones y Comsa carries out the intervention under the direction of the architect Jovino Martínez Sierra, according to Astigarraga’s project and Lasarte. For the following period, the renovation of the assembly hall and some other specific spaces of the building remains. While the works last,the Komikigune offers the loan service,the Convent of Santa Teresa hosts the activities that usually took place in the center,and the rest of the 400,000 objects that make up the collection await in the Oñati Historical Archive and other spaces.
The work, mired in a process that lasted eight years, is not a whim, but an intervention requested by a 2015 architectural report which denounced the fatigue of the materials: poor air conditioning, obsolete accessibility to changes in regulations, four deteriorated facades with some falls occasional water leaks on the roof.
The provincial councilor for Culture, Goizane Álvarez, considers this reform “one of the most important projects of the legislature” in its area, since “after thirty years of life, with around a thousand daily users, the time had come to modernize the building and adapt it to current and future needs and make it more accessible to citizens. The regional councilor for culture underlines that “with this work what we intend is precisely to promote and facilitate access to culture among the population of. Gipuzkoa, and that Koldo Mitxelena becomes a reference space in the territory”.
The downtown progress was used to gain space and incorporate new uses. On the one hand, explains the director of the center, Patxi Presa, “the closure of the floor of the two patios on the ground floor will offer a new space that was previously non-existent, since until now it reached the lower floor. ” Furthermore,the old researchers’ room on the first floor it will become the Sala Lagun,a sort of auditorium open to the public. the offices of the Culture Directorate located on the second floor are open at 50% for research on the bibliographic heritage.
More spaces for the user
As can be seen from the photographs and after the restoration of a facade that will be unveiled again in two months, the interior of the Koldo Mitxelena is stripped of practically everything that has nothing to do with the work itself. only the empty shelves anchored to the wall on the first floor help to identify spaces that would or else be bare of everything. After the renovation, say those responsible for the center, the building will gain in square
As the architect of the Provincial Council, Yolanda Zorita, points out, the transition from a global renovation of the center to a partial one was not without difficulties since “it is always more intricate to renovate an existing building than to build a new one”. ” Zorita explains that “ the systems of the structure where obsolete and no longer worked well, it is true that the building had to be adapted to the new regulations. that is to say the auditorium, and the new “ganbara”, which is accessed via the two elevators that will be installed in one of the two patios gained for the public.
as usual in this type of intervention, what was originally foreseen implies new actions. “There was a plan to fully empty the building and undertake a complete renovation and, after the interruption, it was recast as a partial renovation,” explains the architect. «From there on the job becomes more complicated, for a start as you maintain the elements of the structure, making sure thay work as they should. All this forces us to increase security through reinforcements. “These are things that are then hidden, but they are part of the job.”
As for the facades of the Koldo Mitxelena, original from 1912 and which, in addition to the damage, had recently suffered some landslides, they will maintain their aesthetics, as a protected building located in the protected area that is the Koldo Mitxelena: “it was carried out a deep cleaning, a treatment has been applied to guarantee its durability and some elements have been recovered, again according to Heritage guidelines. It is indeed a question of recovering as little as possible, in the sense of allowing the building to show its history.”It’s not about making it look new, but about rehabilitating what is necessary for the facade to function and, at the same time, letting it reflect the traces of time.”
What specific features are being modernized in the Koldo Mitxelena Center’s renovation?
Interview: renovating the Koldo Mitxelena Center – Bridging History with Modernity
Editor (Time.news): Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. We’re excited to discuss the ongoing renovation of the Koldo Mitxelena Center, a project that has significant implications for both the community and the preservation of cultural heritage. To provide insights, we have with us an expert on architectural renovations and cultural projects, Dr. Elena Ruiz. Dr. Ruiz, could you start by explaining the importance of the renovations currently underway?
Dr. Elena Ruiz: Thank you for having me! the Koldo Mitxelena Center is not just a library; it represents a hub of knowledge, culture, and community engagement. The renovations are crucial as they address not only the physical decay of the building, such as water leaks and deteriorating facades, but also modernizes the library to meet current accessibility and technological standards. This project is a response to a thorough report from 2015 that highlighted these urgent needs.
Editor: It’s fascinating that a project as large as this can unfold over such a long timeline—eight years, in fact. How has the pandemic impacted the renovation process?
Dr. Ruiz: The pandemic certainly added an unexpected layer of complexity to the project.Initially, the renovations were envisioned as a comprehensive overhaul, but circumstances forced a reevaluation. What we’re seeing now is more of a phased approach, where priority needs are being addressed first. this method not only helps manage the budget but also allows for the identification of new requirements that may have emerged since the initial planning.
Editor: Speaking of budget, the renovation has an estimated cost of around eight million euros. How do you view the allocation of such resources for this project?
Dr. Ruiz: investing eight million euros in the Koldo Mitxelena Center is an important commitment to cultural infrastructure. The funds will allow for significant improvements across 7,200 square meters, which is no small feat. It’s important for local governments to prioritize such renovations as they play a crucial role in community identity and promote lifelong learning. This renovation is a chance to safeguard cultural assets for future generations.
Editor: It sounds like the renovation is not only about updating systems but also about enhancing the user experiance. Can you tell us what specific improvements are anticipated?
Dr. Ruiz: Absolutely! The updates will include a revitalized assembly hall and several othre spaces designed with accessibility in mind. This means better air conditioning, modern technology for accessing collections, and spaces that are adaptable for various community activities. These upgrades ensure that everyone can use the center comfortably and effectively.
Editor: During the renovation, we see that option options have been organized, like the Komikigune for loan services and activities being held at the Convent of Santa Teresa. How critically important is adaptability in these situations?
Dr. Ruiz: Adaptability is key! It reflects a commitment to community engagement even during significant disruptions. By utilizing alternative spaces for services, the Koldo Mitxelena Center ensures that it remains a relevant and active part of the community. It helps to maintain interest and involvement while the main facility is undergoing renovations.
Editor: In light of the cultural significance of this project, how do you think the reopening in the summer of 2026 will impact the community?
Dr. Ruiz: The reopening will be a symbolic moment for the community. It marks the return of a beloved institution—one that has been a cornerstone for cultural activities and intellectual engagement. Not only will its new physical attributes attract more users, but it will also rekindle community pride and encourage greater participation in cultural exchanges. The anticipation of the completed project can also serve as an example of resilience and innovation in the face of challenges.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Ruiz, for sharing your insights into this transformative project. It’s clear that the renovation of the Koldo Mitxelena Center is not merely a construction project but a profound investment in the community’s future.
Dr. ruiz: It’s been my pleasure! I look forward to seeing how this center evolves and continues to serve as a beacon of culture and knowledge for many years to come.
Editor: And we look forward to sharing more about its progress with our readers. Thank you for tuning in!