“Our goal with these renovations is to transform, renovate and upgrade the library and City Hall to meet the needs of the community for the next 50 years,” Richardson’s Director of Engineering Shawn Poe said.
Other goals of the renovation project include improving the work environment for staff in the city hall and library, improving energy efficiency and creating a more versatile space with durable equipment.
Both the library and City Hall renovations passed at a 69% approval rate in the Nov. 2 bond election for a combined $58.5 million proposal. The library renovation, which includes site work, was budgeted for $36.1 million, while the City Hall renovation project, which includes four phases, totaled $22.4 million.
After the proposal passed, the city began the process to select an architect for the renovations. Architexas/Steinberg Hart was chosen to be the project’s architect and is expected to be under contract by mid-to-late March, Poe said. AECOM, who the city hired in November to help with a variety of capital investment projects, will serve as project manager for the combined project.
In executing the project, the city chose to combine both renovations into one project. Combining these renovations, Poe said, will allow the city to create a cohesive plan for the campus, improve site safety and lower costs of construction by sharing resources.
Construction is anticipated to begin in fall 2023. Council will continue to hear updates and is expected to take action on a final guaranteed price for construction by fall 2023.
Currently, the city plans to identify issues and needs for the renovation projects, setting up an online public survey for library and City Hall users and a survey for City Hall and library staff. These surveys will be distributed and collected at various public facilities.
Poe said the city is also looking at options for temporarily relocating the Library. With renovations expected to shut down the building during construction, the city will look for a building that can function as a temporary library for residents. Relocation of library resources is not expected until at least late 2022.
The city first looked into renovating these city facilities in September 2019 when it hired Architexas/Steinberg Hart to develop a master planning document. Four work sessions were held with council between October 2020 and March 2021 to discuss potential options.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct errors. Construction is anticipated to begin in fall 2023. The City Council will take action on the final guaranteed maximum price for construction by fall 2023. The City Hall renovation has four phases. The city is looking for a building to temporarily relocate the library.
