Built by Siskiyou: Local Trades Bring the Carnegie Back to Life
The beloved 1912 Carnegie Library in Yreka has always been a cornerstone of local history. Its relevance has long been recognized by the community. Its careful repair required patience and years of grant applications, permits, and paperwork before construction began. From the beginning, the project moved forward because of the strong partnership between Siskiyou Economic Development and the City of Yreka. With construction and sitework nearly complete, we celebrate the local talent that made this project possible and the opportunity to support Siskiyou’s economy by utilizing our skilled local tradespeople.
Architect ORW (Ashland, OR) supported the effort from the start and is an integral part of the project today. Upon financial approval from USDA RISE and California Jobs First, Ausland Group, Inc. (Grants Pass, OR) was hired as the general contractor. From careful rehabilitation of historic features, to subcontractor oversight, the Ausland Group successfully guided their own crew, and a team of local experts, to turn plans into reality.
Local contractors brought skill and craftmanship to every stage. Thank you to Siskiyou Land Surveying surveying our property lines and easements. Evans Building & Excavating (Yreka, CA) completed the concrete, paving, and site work, while Inline Fence Construction framed the property with new fencing. With support from a generous grant from the Pacific Power Blue Sky Program, Callahan Solar designed, installed, and powered a new solar array for greater site efficiency. Ray Mac Mechanical modernized the plumbing and HVAC systems.
Inside, Mike Paula Floors of Grenada restored the original wood floors, Holy Smoke Inc. added a cozy gas fireplace insert, and Safeway Painting refreshed paint inside and out. Yreka Glass fabricated new storefront for the adjacent Annex. With services in Siskiyou County, Made In The Shade (MITS) installed window coverings for a finished look. Network One equipped the project with technology that propels Carnegie modern doors and technology, leading the next generation.
For decades the library was where children discovered new worlds among the shelves; later it served as the town’s police station, the steady hands and feet of the community. Restoring it now honors every chapter - past, present, and future - giving the 1912 landmark a renewed role at the heart of downtown. The Carnegie project spotlights Yreka’s historic character and continues to share a story that will inspire generations to come.