Item Description:
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Contract PR00007872 with M. Arthur Gensler Jr. & Associates, Inc. for architectural and engineering services for the schematic design phase of the Brookdale Library Renovation & Facility Preservation (CP No. 1001788), 12/01/25-07/01/26, NTE $1,103,667
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that authorization to proceed with project schematic design phase of the Brookdale Library Renovation & Facility Preservation (CP No. 1001788) be approved; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Contract PR00007872 with M. Arthur Gensler Jr. & Associates for architectural and engineering services for schematic design phase of the Brookdale Library Renovation & Facility Preservation project (CP No. 1001788) for the period of December 1, 2025 through July 1, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $1,103,667 be approved; that the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the contract on behalf of the County; and that the Controller be authorized to disburse funds as directed.
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Background:
Brookdale Regional Center is located at 6125 Shingle Creek Parkway in Brooklyn Center on an 11-acre site adjacent to Centennial Park and Shingle Creek. The building is a 130,000 square foot single-story building, housing multiple county resources including the Brookdale Library, District Court, Service Center, as well as a few small suites for the Sheriff’s Office, Community Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the Public Defender. The building was last remodeled and expanded in 2004. The project includes a major library renovation, a minor service center renovation, and asset preservation and climate action work.
The major library renovation will transform approximately 57,000 square feet and will include new dedicated spaces for collaboration and quiet study, a reimagined early learning area, consolidation and relocation of service desks, improvement to the library’s entryway, and updated finishes and furniture.
The minor service center renovation will update approximately 7,650 square feet and will include ergonomic and accessibility improvements to the service stations, new durable waiting area furniture, and enhanced staff areas for improved workflow.
The asset preservation work will include full roof replacement, building envelope repair, parking lot refurbishment, and upgrades to the building’s mechanical and electrical systems.
The climate action scope includes exploration of geothermal feasibility, rooftop solar readiness (solar panels to be provided through a separate project), electrical vehicle chargers, and energy efficient lighting throughout the building.
M. Arthur Gensler Jr. & Associates, Inc was selected by the county’s Designer Selection Committee in March of 2024 and completed the predesign phase in the summer of 2025. Schematic design is scheduled to begin in early 2026 and a Construction Manager at Risk will be procured in coordination with this timeline to provide preconstruction services. In mid-2026 we anticipate returning to the board for approval of the schematic design report, the contract for additional architectural and engineering services, and authorizations related to the Construction Manager at Risk. Construction is scheduled to start in mid-2027, and during the forthcoming design phases the project team will develop temporary solutions for the library and service center closures.
Current Request: This is a request for approval of the Schematic Design Contract PR00007872 with M. Arthur Gensler Jr. & Associates, Inc for architectural and engineering services for the schematic design phase of the Brookdale Library Renovation & Facility Preservation (CP No. 1001788), contract period December 1st, 2025 to July 1st, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $1,103,667.
Disparity Elimination: The Hennepin County Library Facility Master Plan, completed in May 2025, analyzed the neighborhoods surrounding each of the 41 libraries, and the Brookdale Library is in a high priority location for county services due to disparities these communities face in education rates, income levels, English proficiency, homeownership, and employment.
Climate Action: Of all county buildings, Brookdale Regional Center is the 8th highest natural gas user, making it a top priority for decarbonization. This project aims to reduce the building’s carbon footprint with conversion of the energy plant system into a high efficiency geothermal system and include other climate action initiatives such as rooftop solar readiness, energy efficient lighting, and electrical vehicle chargers.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval