City is moving ahead with plans to build the Southside Library project next to Twin Rinks next year.
A $2.5 million design-build proposal from lead proponent Titan Construction was approved by council last week.
An overview was provided by city staff member Eric Dyck who was in attendance along with project proponents Titan, CHPA and FVRL reps.
All of the requirements in the request for proposals were met, “so we’re getting the full meal deal with this design,” Dyck explained.
Before the RFP was issued, the design team toured other satellite libraries in the Fraser Valley system and obtained feedback on important considerations for a new facility, and included some of them as requirements.
A computer generated tour of the library, as conceptualized in the design, was presented at city hall by Ryan Huston of Craven Huston Powers Architects.
The new facility will measure 10,600 square feet, with multi-purpose community spaces which can be accessed after hours.
“The whole community will be proud when the doors open on this library,” said Coun. Ken Huttema, who called the design presentation “very impressive.”
Positive feedback emerged about the amount of natural light and the use of wood accents in the design. The plan also calls for a fireplace feature and 74 new parking spots.
Coun. Chuck Stam offered a word of thanks to the design-build team, saying he had grown concerned about what the city could expect for a $2.5 million library building project, given what $20 million bought in terms of the Chilliwack Cultural Centre.
“But I’m very very happy with what I’m seeing here,” Stam said.
Coun. Pat Clark praised the range of functional spaces, as well as ones for relaxing, saying they helped add to the “wow” factor.
The total cost of the new library facility and its contents including books is estimated at $3.6 million, according to city officials.
The construction is slated to be completed by October 2012 with plans to open the new library in early 2013.
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