Library Picks Construction Firm, Advances Plan

The Niles Public Library board has taken another step forward in its plan to reconfigure its space. 

On Thursday, the board chose Frederick Quinn Corporation as its construction manager to manage its renovation project. It will work with the architect, Product Architecture +Design, and manage the day-to-day hands-on logistics of completing the task, according to Sue Wilsey, the library's publicity and marketing supervisor.

If it does its job well and everything goes smoothly, the library will not have to close to the public during the renovation, Wilsey said, except for a possible day here or there when construction work would necessitate closing.

Earlier:

The board received 11 bids from companies qualified to do the job, interviewed four was split between two, according to Barbara Nakanishi, the library board president.  

"We knew either firm could do a great job.  It was an extremely difficult decision," she said. "We considered all the players representing each firm: who would be the project manager, who would be the cost estimator… and last, but certainly not least, who would be the superintendent on the job on a daily basis.  I know we picked a winning team."

Wilsey said the board liked the fact Quinn has a lot of experience working with libraries.

Frederick Quinn's webslte cites its work on the Oswego Public Library, as well as schools and universities. 

The board has not yet negotiated a contract nor fee structure with Quinn, and Wilsey said that would be negotiated. Generally payment consists of a pre-construction fee, a percentage of the construction cost (the library's plan is $4 million, though costs for new mechanical systems, automated materials handling equipment and furnishings would be on top of that) and a monthly supervision fee, she said. Quinn will negotiate fees with electrical, concrete, plumbing, mechanical and other subcontractors, she added.

The library's renovation plan includes a dedicated learning space for young adults, an upgrade to the early literacy area, more small group study/meeting rooms, a reconfigured front entrance and a vending cafe/reading lounge. 

The plan started months ago in response to requests 

During recent board meetings, different points of view have emerged as some trustees have asked detailed questions about the costs of the renovation project, while other trustees have said those details will emerge as planning progresses, according to Bugle Newspapers. 

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