Library youth service room architect approved

Birmingham city commissioners unanimously approved an agreement with Luckenbach Ziegelman Gardner for architectural services for the proposed renovations for the youth services section of the Baldwin Public Library, at their meeting on Thursday, September 6.

Library director Doug Koschik informed commissioners that two architectural firms had responded to request for proposals (RFPs) to renovate the youth room, which will be phase two of a planned three-part renovation of the library. The library did a complete renovation of the adult services and references areas in 2016 and 2017. Phase three is anticipated to be for the circulation department, redoing the front entrance, and possibly ing a small cafe.

Luckenbach Ziegelman Gardner did the work on phase one of the adult services and reference areas of the library.

“Luckenbach Ziegelman was over $10,000 less than the other firm, and the library board recommends awarding the contract to LZG,” Koschik said.

“As well as being about $11,000 less, they also did the adult services renovation, which was a great success,” noted commissioner Rackeline Hoff.

“It would provide great continuity,” Koschik agreed. “They already know the building. It would be the same team.”

He said both the design and architectural drawings are due by December 20, in order for the library to present them to the city commission for approval.

“We hope to begin construction in summer 2019, and expect it to be done by April 2020,” Koschik said, noting the youth room would be closed during construction.