Item Description:
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Schematic design approval for the Westonka Library Replacement project (CP 1004468); Contract PR00005690 with M. Arthur Gensler Jr. & Associates, Inc., for architectural and engineering services, (12/01/23-01/30/27) NTE $1,616,987
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that the following actions be approved for the Westonka Library Replacement project (CP 1004468)
• Approval of schematic design for the Westonka Library Replacement project. The summary report has been distributed to the County Board, and a copy is on file with the Clerk to the County Board;
• Authorization to proceed with project design development and construction documents;
• 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 PR00005690 with M. Arthur Gensler Jr. & Associates, Inc. for architectural and engineering services for the design development through construction administration phases of the Westonka Library Replacement project (CP 1004468) for the period of December 1, 2023 through January 30, 2027, in the amount not to exceed $1,616,987, 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:
The current Westonka Library, located at 2079 Commerce Boulevard in Mound, MN, is an 8,600 gross square foot, one-story building, situated on a 1.68 acre site with surface parking for 48 vehicles. The Westonka Library has been a significant community resource for western Hennepin County for more than 50 years. Open six days a week, this well used library provides resources, programming and access to technology and collections for children, teens and adults. Facility assessment studies conducted in 2015 concluded that replacement of the existing structure with a new facility was the most cost-effective long-term approach given the facility’s significant end-of-life infrastructure issues and evolving community needs.
Under the Westonka Library Replacement project (CP 1004468), the new Westonka Library will be a 12,000 gross square foot, single-story, building with 29 parking stalls, EV-ready infrastructure to serve two stalls, and landscaping and site improvements. The new net-zero building will align with the county’s climate action plan through its use of renewable geothermal and solar energy. A green roof and stormwater infiltration features will treat 95 percent of stormwater onsite. Civil and landscape improvements will provide better connectivity for pedestrians and bicyclists traveling to the library via Commerce Boulevard and Bellaire Lane and create inviting outdoor spaces for reading and nature exploration. The new facility will include two study rooms, one study room equipped with video conferencing technology, a large meeting room and a wellness room. Adult, teen and children’s areas, as well as staff areas, will improve efficiencies and better serve current and future library patrons.
Extensive public engagement process was conducted during the early design phases of the project, which included a patron survey, staff engagement, and a public meeting at the library in July 2023. Public outreach and public and library staff engagement provided opportunities for a broad range of participation and input, which is reflected in the schematic design. An additional public meeting will be scheduled later this fall to continue receiving feedback.
The 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) includes a total project budget of $17,500,000 for the Westonka Library Replacement. The estimated construction cost averages $1,061/SF with a total estimated project cost averaging $1,494/SF.
The best-value procurement process will be utilized for selecting a general contractor for this project.
The library will be closed during construction for 15 months (Fall 2024 through Early 2026).
Current Request: The resolution seeks approval of the Schematic Design for the library and 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 PR00005690 with M. Arthur Gensler Jr. & Associates, Inc. for architectural and engineering services for the design development through construction administration phases for the period of December 1, 2023 through January 30, 2027, in the amount not to exceed $1,616,987. M. Arthur Gensler Jr. & Associates was selected by the County’s Designer Selection Committee in the Fall of 2017.
Impact/Outcomes: This project will improve the asset infrastructure, improve customer access to library services and staff, and improve overall staff efficiencies. Asset infrastructure improvements will:
• Reduce the county’s carbon footprint by replacing a 1970s structure with a new net-zero facility, with geothermal heat source and solar photovoltaic panels;
• Offer improved amenities for library patrons, including private study rooms, a video; conferencing room, a wellness room, and learn-through-play elements for children;
• Meet other county climate action priorities through native plantings, onsite stormwater processing, improved connectivity for alternate modes of transportation;
• Improved security and access to technology.
The renovation will support Hennepin County Library’s Strategic Plan which includes the following goals for building projects:
• 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.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval