Item Description:
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Schematic Design approval for Penn Lake Library Renovation project (CP 1005181); Contract PR00007779 with Roehr Schmitt Architecture, LLC, for architectural and engineering services, contract period 09/29/25-09/15/28, NTE $460,425
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that the following actions be approved for the Penn Lake Library Renovation Project (Capital Project No. 1005181)
• Approval of schematic design for the Penn Lake Library project;
• Authorization to proceed with project design development, construction documents; bidding, negotiations and construction administration;
• Authorization to utilize a best-value procurement process; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Administrator be authorized to award contracts to the awarded contractor if the proposals are within the approved project budget; that the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the contracts on behalf of the county after the performance and payment bonds have been properly executed; and that the Controller be authorized to disburse funds as directed; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Contract PR00007779 with Roehr Schmitt Architecture, LLC for architectural and engineering services covering Design Development through Construction Administration for the Penn Lake Library Renovation Project (CP No. 1005181), for the period September 29, 2025, through September 15, 2028, in an amount not to exceed $460,425.00, 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:
History:
Penn Lake Library, located at 8800 Penn Avenue South in Bloomington, Minnesota, is a single-story facility encompassing 14,909 gross square feet, originally constructed in 1969. Major renovations occurred in 2002, with interior public space enhancements completed in 2012. A 2023 condition assessment identified multiple infrastructure deficiencies due to age, water intrusion, and sustained use.
This capital project addresses critical facility preservation and infrastructure needs, with a focus on asset protection, sustainable design, and user experience improvements.
Project components include:
• Exterior envelope repairs and stormwater management upgrades
• Code compliance upgrades (restrooms and egress)
• Interior improvements emphasizing sightlines, daylighting, flexible furnishings, and a redesigned circulation desk
• The renovation preserves the library’s architectural character while introducing modern, welcoming, and functional enhancements.
The design phase is anticipated to continue through mid-2026. Construction is scheduled to commence in late summer 2026, with substantial completion by fall 2027. The library will be closed during construction, which is expected to span approximately 15 months. A grand reopening is targeted for late 2027.
Current Request:
Approval of the Schematic Design is requested. The Schematic Design Executive Summary Report 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 with the highest scoring proposal if the proposal is within the project’s budget. In addition, approval is requested for Contract PR00007779 with Roehr Schmitt Architecture, LLC for architectural and engineering services for the design development through construction administration phases for the period of September 29, 2025, through September 15, 2028, in the amount not to exceed $460,425.00. Roehr Schmitt Architecture, LLC was selected through the County’s consultant selection process in Q1 2024.
Impact and Outcomes:
The renovated Penn Lake Library will serve as a vital, inclusive resource for Bloomington and adjacent communities, including Richfield, Edina, and South Minneapolis.
It will support Hennepin County Library’s Strategic Plan, which includes the following goals:
• Provide flexible spaces to respond to changing communities and demographics
• Configure spaces to reflect new and broader purposes
• Create library environments that are welcoming, safe and secure
It will also support the county’s Climate Action Plan by:
• Increasing the resilience of the built environment through long-term asset preservation
• Implementing passive and active energy-savings strategies to reduce emissions to help the county achieve its greenhouse gas reduction goal
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval