Today, the Town of Amherst invited general contractor bids for the Jones Library renovation and expansion. Bids from pre-qualified general contractors are due October 31, 2024.

After receiving one bid which was 18% over budget, Town leaders reexamined plans and agreed to re-bid the project with some changes. Over the summer, the architects redesigned aspects of the renovation and expansion to reduce costs. Our hopeful expectation is that the combination of cost-saving and simplifying value engineering measures, preferred timing, and increased competition will result in multiple bids aligned with the approved project budget of $46.1M.

Project at a Glance

Features of the renovation & expansion plans:

• Eliminates the use of fossil fuels, becoming net zero ready, more efficient and sustainable than the current building, even though the carbon sequestering materials (cross laminate timber or CLT) are beyond our budget
• Preserves the look and feel of the historic building and opens spaces currently unavailable to the public, retaining most of the original 1927 woodwork in place
• Provides additional, climate-controlled secure archives for our valuable special collections including a permanent home for the Civil War tablets
• Creates expanded, welcoming, accessible space for everyone to accommodate the multitude of programs for children, teens, and adults
• Costs the Town less than basic, urgent repairs (HVAC, fire suppression, roof repairs, accessibility), leveraging state, federal, and private funds

Status of Value Engineering Changes

The historic building

In the 1927 structure, architects explored multiple options to find the most cost-effective way to renovate while preserving the historic fabric of the building. The bid documents will keep the vast majority of the interior woodwork intact, not disturbing the asbestos in the plaster behind.

Last month, Amherst Historic Commission reaffirmed the demolition of the 1990s addition, with careful consideration of the connecting points to the original building. The Historic Commission maintained their commitment to previously approved exterior changes to the building including the use of synthetic slate roofing and modern replacement windows. They did not allow asphalt shingles and window repairs as bid alternates.

The new addition

Cross laminate timber (CLT) has been removed from plans, creating significant savings.

The interior of the new addition will still have ample light and glass, less wood and more metal. In the new addition, the “roof monitor” over the new central stairwell has been removed. (For most of us, a roof monitor is a skylight. To architects, there’s a difference.) Vertical windows at the roofline and ample windows in the entire new addition will supply natural light. Outside, this creates more room for adding solar panels in the future. (Solar panels were not part of this year’s construction plans.)

Keeping with the state’s “stretch” building code, metal roofing and brick exterior remain the most affordable options for the new addition because of their insulating value. Plans to substitute either have been dropped.

‍Grounds & landscaping

Landscaping plans have been scaled back significantly, saving costs while preserving possibilities for the future.

The children’s outdoor space will still be defined by a hedge, but whimsical patio designs are shelved for now.

Benches, tables and chairs are removed from the patio areas, with hopes to add them in the future.

All shade trees remain as planned and the rear rain garden will use no mow grasses rather than multiple types of plants.

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