By JUDD WEIL
Hutch Post
NEWTON, Kan. — The City of Newton approved a bid from Dondlinger Construction to build the exterior projects for the Newton Public Library, at their Dec. 27 meeting.
The City Commission awarded the bid to Dondlinger Construction in the amount of $7,805,500. Newton City Commissioners previously approved the Newton Public Library Improvement Project at their Nov. 22 commission meeting.
The new library will be 25,000 square feet and on the east end of Military Park, with a new parking lot on the northwest side of the new building.
After construction of the new building is finished, the library contents will be moved into the new building and the old building will be demolished.
A large green space will be created west of the building in the park. The 1880 train engine will remain in its current location.
Additionally, the new library will have a drive-up book drop-off, glass-walled study rooms, large meeting rooms, young adult space with gaming area, separate space for children’s book collections and programs, technology areas, family restrooms, outdoor seating space and more.
One more bid will take place in January or February for all of the interior furnishing items.
HBM Architects are still working on the interior bid package. It will come to the City Commission for consideration when ready.
Staff will prepare a lease agreement for the new library building for City Commission and Library Board consideration at an upcoming meeting.
The interior bid package for that meeting, will address all the details of a new structure, future maintenance, and payments for the bonds as previously discussed.
The Newton Public Library Improvement Project cost estimate, including design and construction, is $10.7 million.