A library for the valley’s rapidly-growing southwest was identified as a priority in the first, second and current Strategic Plan. Consultants on the District’s second Strategic Plan (2005-2008) noted that a service center centralizing all current support functions in one location is critical to the District’s efficient delivery of services, especially as use by patrons continues to increase.

Savings from  the Capital Projects Fund will provide a “down payment” for this needed new library that will be combined with development of a new service center that will enable cost and service efficiencies by consolidating functions currently located across the city, including centralized computer, maintenance, administrative offices, telecommunications and network management, materials ordering and processing and centralized automated sorting/routing of library materials in demand at District branches.

The new library and service center will be built on a 15-acre site located at Rainbow Boulevard and Windmill Lane. It will be an energy efficient, modern and durable building utilizing sustainable design and construction practices:

• 27,096 SF library with additional shell space of 11,342 SF for future growth
• 86,617 SF service center housing District administrative offices, support functions and centralized materials processing center
• 9,390 SF, 300-seat auditorium
• Seeking LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certification
• Regional building materials and water efficient irrigation systems
• Efficient use of daylight to minimize the need for overhead or other lights
• State-of-the-art book and media management system

• Open seven days a week
• State-of-the art technology including wireless Internet access, a public computer area, a computer lab for adults and a computer lab for young people that will also offer homework help
• Young People’s Library with story room
• Art gallery
• Bookstore and vending area
• Meeting space

A value engineering workshop was conducted resulting in a budget reduction from $55.2M to $50.5M.

By combining design and construction of the Service Center with the new branch, the District will save an estimated $4,040,000 in construction costs and $335,316 in design fees over building two separate facilities.

While savings will provide a “down payment” on this new facility, analysis of forecasted revenues indicates that it will not be possible to save funds fast enough to finance the entire project. In order to complete these high priority projects, in March 2009, the District issued approximately $50 million in Medium-Term bonds, and will pay approximately $7.6 million per year to retire the bonds in nine years.

By completing this project now, the District can take advantage of the highly competitive construction marketplace and leverage the revenue from growth for this large project that cannot be funded by annual savings due to escalating construction costs.

Budgeted construction cost: $34 million.

• Schematic Design Approval, April 8, 2008
• Design Development Documents Approved, September 11, 2008
• General Obligation Medium-Term Bonds issued March 2009
• Groundbreaking, June 18, 2009
• Target Opening, 2011

Library Space Programmers: Aaron Cohen and Associates

Architects: JMA Architecture Studios

General Contractor: Martin-Harris Construction

Construction Management Services: URS Corporation