Minutes 05-13-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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She said neighborhood libraries average 18,000 and 26,000 square feet. She noted that the existing Cybrary and Carrboro branch total 9,000 square feet, and this does not include restrooms, meeting space, teen collections, or staff space. Chris Garis reviewed several Brewer Lane site photos and drawings and discussed site scenarios for utilization. He said the drawing of site scenario A shows a proposed building footprint of 20,600 gross square feet and a parking deck with 250 parking space additions. He said 80 parking spots are required for the library, and the additional spaces are for future development as needed. He noted the green space, which serves as a buffer between the bikeway and a development. He reviewed more photos of site scenarios and surrounding development. Chris Garis said there is an important opportunity and challenge to get visibility for the library from the main street. He said both site scenarios have the parking deck and the library connected to allow for weather safe access. He said option B has a 21,300 gross square footage footprint, as well as an open space on the garden level. He said the challenge is to bring the signage out into the development to provide visibility. He said this second scenario puts the library closer to greenway. Chris Garis said some of the challenges include: the parking deck; access and traffic; reinforced structure to provide for vertical expansion; and visibility. He said many of these can be mitigated throughout development. He said the benefits include: the central downtown location; the synergy of surrounding development; the ability to draw patrons; adjacency to the greenway and public transit routes; and the benefit of the neighboring parking deck. He said the construction costs are averages, based on the square footage numbers. He said regional libraries average a $250 per square foot of building-only cost. He said furniture, fixtures, and equipment are an additional $35 per square foot, and audiovisual costs could be $25 to $45 per square foot, depending on programming. He said the reinforced structure to allow for vertical expansion is about $30 per square foot; parking comes in at $1.6 million; professional fees are $25 per square foot; and land acquisition is budgeted for $600,000. Jeff Thompson discussed next steps. He said the intent is to get feedback tonight along with possible direction to move forward with this site. He said, if asked to move forward, staff would return with a development agreement in October, and RFQ selection for the designer/architect would happen at the first of the year. He said after that staff would simultaneously work on program verification, construction documents, and town permits. He said bid opening would be in May of 2016, as well as a financing event, and the opening would occur 15 months later. Commissioner Price asked for an explanation of the design process. She said it seems lengthy, and she asked if there was any way to shorten it. Jeff Thompson said staff would need the summer to work on a letter of intent with the developer. He said no designer has been selected, and that process will take 60-90 days. He said once this is finished there will be a design process, a permitting process, and a program verification process that will happen. He said the permitting process with the Town of Carrboro will take about 6 months. He said it may be possible to expedite this part of the process. . Commissioner Price asked about the square footage of the main library. Katherine Taylor said it is about 23,000 square feet. Commissioner porosin said the site picture slide shows a much larger building that will encompass more than just a library. He asked how much control or input the County will have over the design elements as a tenant. He asked how that collaboration will work. Brian Ferrell, Counsel for the transaction, said there will be some options for the Board of County Commissioners to consider regarding ownership interest. He said the principals for