Cost of Construction
By Cecilia LaFrance
Five months into construction, the Library expansion project has reached its halfway milestone. Plans and budgets have been put to the test; both are holding strong.
The full construction cost of the renovation and expansion of the Library is $4.6 million. The greatest expenses consist of new HVAC ($635K), electrical ($447K), concrete and asphalt work ($300K), carpentry materials and labor ($290K), Steel ($165K), general contractor fees, elevator masonry and equipment ($170K), roofing ($153K), drywall ($144K), and the sprinkler and fire alarm ($139K). Over $2 million more in expenses are wrapped up into other necessities like siding, windows, floors, and a schedule of 70 other line items.
Other costs outside of the construction fees cover architectural planning and owner managed expenses, including furniture, solar arrays, testing and permitting, and technology, totaling over $1 million.
With any project comes risk of the unknown and additional work. The Library project has evolved to include a plumbing remedy for its existing restrooms, which adds the need to retile both. Some damaged ductwork replacement was added to the scope. Another change is the removal and replacement of the concrete entry slab, which will update it to meet ADA guidelines. But there’s much to be budget grateful about. Tariff implications have been minor as much of the material has been sourced within the US. Construction began on a solid foundation and on the quality work of the original build. And, no literal or figurative boulder was unearthed.
The project is funded through multiple means. First, the Library had built a modest capital reserve just over $1 million prior to construction. Then, with the voter-approved Mill levy increase in 2023, additional savings from tax revenues were banked during 2024 and early 2025, contributing another $1.3 million toward the project. Awards from seven successful grant applications resulted in nearly $1.5 million. Lastly, the Library secured the remaining funds in a construction loan through Collegiate Peaks Bank.
Future years’ budgets will address fulfilling the debt obligation as quickly as possible, while also rewarding the community with improved and expanded resources and services. The new building is anticipated to meet growth needs for at least 20 years, and a goal of the administration is to put the Library in a financial position to better address future needs. Voters will see a ballot issue question on this November’s ballot for the Library. Issue 6A requests permission for the library district to waive a cap on revenue growth recently reinstated by Colorado legislature. Approval allows the district to align its development with that of local property growth.
The new Library is on track to fulfill all the goals of the construction project and provide a valuable community resource available to everyone. The 2026 budget adds 2.5 positions, which will allow staffing in multiple service areas in the new library, as well as additional capacity for youth and adult class offerings. And, spending on library books and materials increases nearly 20% from preconstruction purchasing.
Of course, one of the greatest costs of this construction project is the disruption to library services to the community. The Library staff thanks its wonderful patrons who make the trip to the temporary space near the airport or to our offsite program spaces around town. We are buying more books than ever and fulfilling hold requests quickly. Our team loves providing support, reading materials, and opportunities for new learning. Hang in there; we will return to the heart of the town with even more to offer early next year.
