Community Corner
New Medford Public Library Contract Awarded
Mayor Stephanie M. Burke is pleased to announce the City of Medford has awarded the contract for construction of its new library.
October 15, 2019
New Medford Public Library Contract Awarded
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Mayor Stephanie M. Burke is pleased to announce the City of Medford has awarded the contract for construction of its new library to G&R Construction of Quincy, MA. The bid submitted by G&R was the lowest of the three bids received by the City, and came in approximately $4 million under budget, at $19,867,000. The original construction cost estimate for the project was $24,000,000.
“G&R provided quality workmanship on the city’s DPW building and we are very excited to work with them again on the new library,” said Mayor Burke. “Their competitive bid allows us to add design alternatives to the base bid, including a photovoltaic system (solar panels) which will result in the library operating with absolutely no electricity costs”, said Burke. In addition to solar panels, the library will operate completely independently of fossil fuels and is anticipated to have the first LEED status for a municipal building in Medford.
Find out what's happening in Medfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Along with traditional library spaces for children, teens and adults, the 2-story building will host gallery spaces, a 100-seat theatre, a café, maker space and a much-needed technology lab. “The next chapter of the Medford Public Library is so bright! We are enthusiastic about the groundbreaking and excited for a state-of-the-art facility for our community,” said Barbara Kerr, Library Director.
“The library is truly a community resource. Not only will it service the needs of 21st century learning, but it will allow all age groups in the city to meet and interact” said Mayor Burke. “From its inception we have focused on the new library being an integral part of our city, serving as a cornerstone of Medford Square and helping to strengthen our efforts to include everyone”.
The project was selected in the first round of applications for a $12.4 million grant provided by the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program offered through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for October 29th at 5:00 p.m.
This press release was produced by City of Medford. The views expressed here are the author’s own.
