News Summary
The Pasadena City Council has approved a $3.45 million contract amendment with Gruen Associates for the seismic retrofit and renovation of the historic Central Library. This amendment increases the contract total to $9.56 million, ensuring continued design and project management services. The renovation aims to blend historical preservation with modern enhancements, with the reopening projected for 2028. Community feedback has been prioritized, focusing on accessibility and multi-purpose spaces while maintaining the library’s character.
Pasadena City Council Approves $3.45 Million Amendment for Library Renovation
The Pasadena City Council has approved a significant $3.45 million contract amendment that expands the role of Gruen Associates in the ongoing seismic retrofit and renovation of the historic Central Library. This decision brings the total value of Contract No. 32526 to an impressive $9.56 million, showcasing the city’s commitment to preserving and modernizing this vital cultural institution.
Details of the Contract Amendment
Under the amended contract, Gruen Associates will continue to provide essential design and project management services until the project’s completion. This is crucial as the renovation will employ a Construction Manager At-Risk (CMAR) delivery model, ensuring that the project stays on schedule and within budget.
The Central Library, a cornerstone of Pasadena’s educational and cultural landscape, is anticipated to reopen its doors by 2028. Originally designed by renowned architect Myron Hunt, the library first opened in 1927 and has since been listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to its significant architectural value.
The Need for Renovation
Sadly, the cherished library was closed in 2021 due to the seismic risks associated with its unreinforced masonry construction. Before its closure, the Central Library welcomed approximately 1,000 visitors daily and hosted hundreds of events each year, making it a central hub for community engagement.
Initially granted a contract in February 2023 worth up to $6.1 million, Gruen Associates has made substantial progress, completing 90% of the necessary design work. This includes vital components such as seismic strengthening, historic preservation, and system overhauls. The latest contract amendment not only extends their role but also introduces expanded responsibilities, including assistance in the CMAR selection process and construction administration.
Funding and Budget Management
The city staff recommended bypassing the usual competitive bidding process for this contract, citing Gruen’s extensive knowledge of the historic library. The revised contract represents about 7.75% of the project’s estimated direct construction costs. Funding is partially sourced from Measure PL, a $195 million bond measure that Pasadena voters approved in 2024. Importantly, this contract increase will not burden the city’s General Fund, as it will be entirely covered by the budget allocated for the Central Library seismic retrofit.
Anticipated Timeline and Community Impact
Looking ahead, construction bids and contract awards are anticipated to be finalized by the summer of 2025, with construction projected to span 30 to 36 months after an award is made. The project not only aims to preserve the library’s historic elements but also seeks to modernize its facilities to better serve the community.
Community outreach efforts have emphasized the importance of maintaining the library’s character while enhancing accessibility. Proposed improvements encompass flexible, multi-purpose spaces, accessibility upgrades, and advanced technology features. Before the library’s shutdown, it played an instrumental role in local activities, hosting 232 group events and 876 meetings. Notably, the redesigned Circulation Hall will enhance accessibility and facilitate community gatherings, ensuring that the library remains a hub for free resources and community connection.
Continued Community Engagement
The future design plans will incorporate ongoing public input and insights from the Pasadena Central Library Community Programming Committee. As development progresses, the emphasis on community engagement will remain critical. The Central Library is not just a place to borrow books; it symbolizes the heart of Pasadena, fostering free access to knowledge and bringing together diverse community members.
With the approved funding, the city of Pasadena is taking commendable steps to preserve and enhance the Central Library, ensuring it continues to serve as a cherished resource for generations to come.
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Additional Resources
- Pasadena Now: Pasadena Approves $3.45 Million Contract Amendment
- Pasadena Star News: Election 2024 Results for Pasadena’s Library Bond
- Hey SoCal: Pasadena Voters Approve Measure PL for Retrofitting Central Library
- LAist: Pasadena City Council Considers $195 Million Bond for Central Library
- Pasadena Weekly: Pasadena City Council Discusses Central Library Redesign
- Wikipedia: Pasadena, California
- Google Search: Central Library Pasadena
- Google Scholar: Pasadena Central Library
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pasadena
- Google News: Pasadena
