August 22, 2018 – Update:
As planned, the 2+2 Working Team presented the Library Commission with three preliminary floor designs for the 501 Building. The City hired a Structural Engineer and project planner to assess the buildings integrity and load-bearing capacity.
At their July 10, 2018 meeting, the Library Commission discussed an estimate for remodeling the 501 building. The estimate reflected industry standard costs of $150 per square foot in labor and materials, plus 20% for permits, design, and other work. It totaled between $750,000 and $1,000,000 depending on the final plans. The estimate was based on the assumption the whole building would be gutted back to the bare walls and rebuilt to design specifications.
Since this estimate exceeded the amounts discussed by the 2+2 group, the Commission determined that prudence required further deliberations. The Commission decided to recommend to the City Council that the 2+2 group be reconvened to explore two options:
→ Modify the plans generated by the 2+2 group and reassess our expectations
→ Refocus the efforts of the stakeholders on expanding the current faculty
The City Council approved the Commission’s recommendation at their July 11, 2018 meeting. The City has retained the services of an Architect who is currently in the process of:
- Creating building as-builts
- Developing conceptual floor plans options for both buildings
- Developing schematic design for the project
- Identifying required code requirements
- Developing preliminary construction cost estimates
Once the 2+2 group digests all the new information a recommendation about moving or expanding at the current location will be made to the Commission. The City Council will make the final decision.
The Friends of Yachats Library has received grants from The Ford Family Foundation, Lincoln County Community and Economic Development Fund, Oregon Community Foundation and Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund and donations from local nonprofits, 2018 annual Book Sale and library supporters totaling $58,000. The City has budgeted $50,000 and the Library Commission has indicated it would recommend $100,000 be used from the Hall bequest. There are more grant opportunities available.
Stay tuned for further updates.
