The Allen Public Library opened in its current location in February 2005.  Due to increasing community population growth and historical and projected per capita increases in library usage, expansion and renovation of the library is needed to continue serving the cultural, social, informational, and lifelong learning requirements of Allen citizens from the near future through eventual build-out population.

Voters approved a total of $16.045 million dollars in the 2016 General Obligation bond election, for the architectural design, site development, and construction of an expanded, renovated, and updated library within the existing site. The City Council approved the sale of G.O. bonds on June 9, 2020 to fund the cost of professional services and design costs.  Library parking lot expansion design and construction were funded in 2017 as the first part of the overall expansion project.

The City released a Request for Qualifications for Phase 1 architectural services in December 2020. Ten architectural firms responded by January 15, 2021.  A panel of four representatives from the Community Services, Engineering, and Library departments individually and anonymously scored each firm for experience and qualifications, demonstrated ability to meet City design and construction objectives; demonstrated ability to lead a public engagement process; references; and proposed project team.  The three highest scoring firms were invited to interview in February with representatives from Engineering, Purchasing, and the Library who subsequently ranked the three firms based on these five criteria.  Hidell and Associates was the recommended firm selected for further fee negotiation.

Staff determined that Phase 1 should be divided into two steps.  Step 1, the Predesign, would consist of library tours with a Mayor-appointed citizen steering committee and City staff; community, staff and stakeholder input; project programming; facility and infrastructure analysis; and the development of spatial diagrams.  Step 2, the Conceptual Design, would encompass site analysis and planning (including grading, drainage, and utility plan); conceptual landscape and floor plans; and exterior elevations and perspectives. 

Step 2 will also include the site plan review and approval process by the Design Review Committee and Technical Review Committee and project cost analysis including construction; phasing; furniture, fixtures, and equipment; and technology.  The completion of Phase 1 will prepare for Phase 2 services, consisting of design development, preparation of construction documents, construction bids, and construction itself, which are beyond the scope of the contract under consideration. 

Phase 1 Budget and Timeline:

This project will be funded by Fiscal Year 2020 General Obligation Bonds.

I make a motion to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Contract with Hidell and Associates Architects, Inc., for Phase 1 Architectural Services of the Expansion of the Allen Public Library in the Amount of $260,900.