Radnor Memorial Library Addresses Renovation Delays

With the Radnor Memorial Library temporarily housed at 110 W. Lancaster Ave. Suite 230, patrons and stakeholders have been wondering why renovations to the original location at 114 W. Wayne Ave. have been delayed which prompted the library to release information regarding the delays via its website.

According to the library website, initial project bids were "drastically over budget." Since the Wayne Avenue property is owned by Radnor Township, contracting bids must be made public according to Pennsylvania law.

"The initial bids were received in early summer and came in drastically over budget, which we believe was due primarily to a temporary spike in the market," the library's website says. "These bids were rejected and the process restarted."

Kimmel Borgett architect Sherri Kimmel said the project plans underwent some redesigns, but said the firm tried to keep the project as in-line with the initial plans. Kimmel said the budget is $4 million.

"The approach has been to look at the library and community priorities and craft a new bid package with changes that have minimal impact on the overall goals," the library website says.

The new plan features less expansion than previous iterations, but the expansion hopes have been put out as alternates bids, which will show exact cost figures as well as allow the library and township to prioritize spending. Kimmel said the main addition to the library is still present in the new design.

The library told the community that new steps are being taken to ensure reasonable figures are proposed.

"The approach has been to look at the library/community priorities and craft a new bid package with changes that have minimal impact on the overall goals," the website says. "Based on the information available regarding the anticipated construction costs, we believe that the responses to the modified bid package (including contingency) will adhere to our cost and schedule constraints."

Construction was slated to begin in fall 2016 and end in fall 2017 and Kimmel said the firm is hoping to adhere to that timeline despite rebidding.

The website says the Wanye Avenue building was closed before bids had been accepted on account of logistics and that construction was assumed to begin in June.

Various funding sources are fueling the project including a Keystone Grant, a fundraising campaign that as of July 7 has garnered $755,000, and a $2.5 million bond granted by the Randor Township Commissioners.

The Radnor Memorial Website has more information on how to contribute to the campaign, the current library space, and answers to more frequently asked questions.

Image via Shutterstock