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March 29, 2009

Costs for new Warren County library and human services headquarters now at $24 million

Friday, March 27, 2009
By COLIN MCEVOY
The Express-Times
WHITE TWP. | Warren County freeholders plan to shave $2 million from a $26 million plan for a new library and human services headquarters by reusing old furniture.

During an update on the proposed 78,000-square-foot building, architect James Guerra said reusing furniture from the old county buildings, rather than buying new furniture, cuts the estimated project cost to about $24 million.

Appearing Wednesday before the board, Guerra said the project at Route 519 and Foul Rift Road also would include a $60,000 generator, $50,000 third-floor storage area and the possibility of using solar panels down the road.

Upon its anticipated 2011 completion, the building would house the library headquarters, Warren County Department of Health and Human Services, election board and the public health nursing agency. It is proposed beside the county's Wayne Dumont Jr. Administration Building in White Township.

Guerra said he expects to have construction documents completed by summer's end and hopes to begin and end the bidding process before winter.

The county has committed to a $4.6 million geothermal heating system, Guerra said. But it may pursue solar panels, depending on what kind of grant money becomes available.

Engineer John Carson said the solar panels would pay for themselves in about 20 years, but the panels generally only have a lifespan of about 15 to 20 years.

If the county can put enough grant money into the panels, it would see a payback much sooner than 20 years, he said.

Carson told freeholders he expects to know by next month how much grant money would be available. The county has already been approved for a $284,000 energy grant.

The third-floor storage area is obtainable by converting the pitched roof on the two-story building, Guerra said.

The area could contain up to 125 pounds per square foot, and the county would have the option of expanding it into office space in future years.

Although no formal vote was held, Freeholder Director Richard Gardner and Freeholder Everett Chamberlain said they approved of the option.

They also informally agreed on the $60,000 generator that would cover minimal safety items if power goes down.

Guerra also discussed options for more expensive generators that could handle all heating and lighting for up to $100,000, but freeholders preferred the less-expensive option.

Reporter Colin McEvoy can be reached at 610-258-7171 or by e-mail at cmcevoy@express-times.com.

Posted by tumulty at March 29, 2009 6:06 PM

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