Cedar Park moves step closer in new public library construction process; Lakeline Park opening approaches

Also approved by council was a guaranteed maximum price amendment to an existing agreement with J.E. Dunn Construction Group Inc. for construction on the new Cedar Park Public Library project. The price amendment to the agreement is the final step in the construction procurement method, setting the contract amount for construction of the project, according to the city.

Determined by a project team consisting of the developers, construction company and city staff, this method will limit both construction cost escalation and schedule delays, according to meeting documents.

This is the second maximum price amendment council has approved totaling $12.8 million, which includes remaining building and site scopes. Site work, building skin, roof, interior finishes and other necessary improvements are included in the second amendment.

The first amendment—totaling $18.1 million—was approved by council in mid-November, according to the city. Work included under the initial amendment includes site utilities, building structural concrete and drilled piers, stairs and railings, elevators, fire suppression system, plumbing, and other early construction needs.

Both maximum price amendments total to roughly $31 million. It is covered under multiple funding sources, including the 2018 and 2020 voter-approved general obligation bonds and the city’s general fund.

“[It’s] an exciting milestone, very exciting,” Council Member Eric Boyce said at the meeting.

Located in the center of the Bell District development, the New Cedar Park Library will be a two-story, 47,000-square-foot building acting as a civic gathering space, designed to encourage users of all ages to visit.

Work on the new Cedar Park Public Library began in December with a construction groundbreaking in late January, and it is anticipated to open in fall 2024.

“We moved a lot of money around, committed a lot of funds, as part of our planning process, but all for exciting projects and activities within the city,” Council Member Stephen Thomas said. “So, it’s going to be a fun period for us.”