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February 22, 2009

Bids abound for Haddonfield library revamp

By LAVINIA DeCASTRO • Courier-Post Staff • February 22, 2009

More than two dozen companies are lining up for a chance to revamp the Haddonfield Public Library.

The borough received 34 proposals from architectural firms in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York that included cost estimates for the renovation and expansion of the historic library.

"We're still going through them," borough administrator Sharon McCullough said. "There's a wide variety and lot of interest in doing the work."

Companies had until Feb. 12 to submit a proposal that included three conceptual drawings: One showing how they would make the current library handicap accessible, another showing a 7,500-square-foot addition and a third showing a 15,000-square-foot expansion.

"This isn't necessarily a complete design," McCullough said. "It's just a preliminary concept."

Cost estimates given by each firm varied greatly. Livingston-based Feitlowitz & Kosten estimated the lowest projected cost of $12,500, but it is unclear if the estimate includes the expansion price. Rodier Ebersberger of Williamstown's estimated cost of $152,600 for a 15,000-square-foot addition was the highest in the list of submissions the township released.

Commissioners will meet with library officials to narrow down the proposals to five by the end of March, McCullough said.

Borough and library officials will use the proposals to decide whether to renovate and expand the current library or demolish it and build anew.

"What the commissioners are hoping to get out of this is, Can the library be expanded?" McCullough said.

According to a report by Library Development Solutions released in January, a new 22,000-square-foot library would cost roughly $8.2 million, McCullough said. The estimate includes demolition costs, she said.

It took the Princeton-based company about a year to complete its study, which assessed what programs are needed to serve Haddonfield's population and how much space is needed to provide them.

Firms that submitted proposals were asked to refer to the study in order to craft their conceptual designs.

McCullough said the borough will take into consideration each company's experience renovating libraries and working with historic buildings before deciding which five firms to consider.

"We want to get the best library for the best price," McCullough said.

Ultimately, the library's fate is in the hands of borough voters.

During the November elections, Haddonfield voters approved a measure requiring a public vote before any funds can be spent to build or renovate the library.

A group of five residents concerned with the cost of the project and its impact on local taxes collected 729 signatures on a petition to place the measure on the ballot.

Reach Lavinia DeCastro at (856) 486-2652 or ldecastro@courierpostonline.com

Posted by tumulty at February 22, 2009 9:51 AM

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