Background:
The Southeast Library is located at 1221 SE 4th Street in Minneapolis, adjacent to the University of Minnesota and Dinkytown’s small commercial district. Built in 1963 by renowned architect Ralph Rapson, the building was originally designed as a State Capital Credit Union and was converted in 1967 into a branch library for the Minneapolis Public Library system. The facility is a 13,000 gross square foot building with a 5,600 square foot underground garage, situated on a small .5 acre site.
In 2014 Hennepin County Library partnered with the University of Minnesota to engage the surrounding neighborhoods, providing opportunities to receive public input and participation in envisioning the future of the Southeast Library. An outcome of that broad outreach effort is outlined in the “Envisioning a Crossroads Library” report. Additional community and staff engagement was conducted in 2016-2017 to further develop the vision and needs for the library renovation. An in-depth facility condition assessment was completed to understand the infrastructure deficiencies and asset preservation requirements of the building and site.
The Southeast Library Renovation project (CP 0030332) will modernize and renovate the library facility, improving patron access to library services and providing a welcoming, open space to support current and future programs and services. The lower level space, currently closed due to deteriorating condition, will be renovated and returned to library program functions, effectively doubling the library’s usable space. The project will also implement all critical infrastructure improvements necessary to ensure long term integrity of the building and site.
The 2018-2022 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) includes a total project budget of $11,640,000 for the Southeast Library Renovation. The budget reflects a 3% reduction based on the Board amendment to the CIP in December 2017. The Schematic Design estimated project cost for the Southeast Library Renovation project is $11,640,000.
Current Request:
Approval of the Schematic Design is requested. The Schematic Design report’s Executive Summary has been distributed to the County Board, and a copy is on file with the Clerk to the County Board. Approval is requested to authorize the County Administrator to award a contract to the contractor offering the best value if the proposals are within the proposed budgets. In addition, approval is requested for Contract A178532 with MacDonald & Mack Architects for architectural and engineering services for the design development through construction administration phases, for the period of February 7, 2018 through June 30, 2020, in an amount not to exceed $875,516. MacDonald & Mack Architects was selected by the County’s Designer Selection Committee in the Fall of 2016.
Impact/Outcomes:
This project will significantly improve customer access to library services and staff, and improve overall staff efficiencies. It will support Hennepin County Library’s Strategic Plan which includes the following goals for building projects:
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Provide flexible spaces to respond to changing communities and demographics
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Configure spaces to reflect new and broader purposes
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Create library environment that are welcoming, safe and secure
Asset infrastructure improvements will:
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Ensure long term integrity of the building systems and envelope
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Provide a code compliant facility
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New interior finishes, ergonomic furnishings and shelving to improve sightlines
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Improve security and access to technology
The library will be closed during construction (Fall 2018 – Fall 2019)