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Escondido library renovation ahead but faces change orders, windows decision delayed
Summary
City staff reported progress on roof, HVAC, sewer and interior framing at the Escondido library renovation, but multiple change orders and a potential $850,000 window package mean the final schedule and budget remain contingent; the project target completion date is March 2026.
City of Escondido staff told the Library Board of Trustees that construction on the downtown library renovation is making steady progress but uncovered change orders and costly options mean key scope decisions are still pending.
At a monthly staff update, project manager Ed Vasquez said roof replacement, new sewer lines, interior framing and HVAC removal and replacement are underway. “This is gonna be a short presentation, kind of a high level overview of what's been happening at the library so far,” Vasquez told trustees as he began the slideshow and photo update.
The project includes a complete roof replacement that was added as a bid alternate and covered by grant funding, Vasquez said. Workers have removed old tiles and underlayment, replaced plywood and installed drip edges; tile installation is expected within two weeks. New sewer mains and a riser for a cleanout are in place, but sections of original cast-iron sewer and poured concrete adjacent to structural walls prevented conventional excavation. Vasquez said crews will conceal new plumbing behind a shallow fur wall to avoid cutting structural elements. He reported framing for new front spaces is about 30% complete and quiet-study areas are framed.
HVAC work has advanced after a crane removed six rooftop units; Vasquez said the old commercial units were “probably some of these units are 20 [years] old” and crews are demoing old ductwork and roof decking before new units arrive.
Change orders so far include complete demo of a second-floor kitchen, additional abatement where hazardous materials were uncovered beneath flooring layers, extra demolition and unforeseen furniture removal. Vasquez said the project currently has about 58 potential change-order items being priced by the contractor.
A major outstanding decision is whether to replace the library’s windows. Vasquez told trustees the total for remaining change orders and the full window package could be “probably close to $850,000,” and that staff expect to finalize costing in September before recommending whether to proceed.
On schedule, Vasquez said the project’s target completion remains March 2026 to meet the grant-related deadline. “Spring 2026 is when our grama due, deadline is. We should be complete by then,” he said, while noting that delivery delays for specialty items such as windows or equipment could push that date.
Library Director Rina told the board additional non-construction items are being completed at the mall storefront location while renovations continue downtown. She said security cameras have been installed at the mall storefronts and “they will be retained for once we return to the main library.” Rina also reported that the city has purchased and delivered two outdoor book returns; the walk-up drop (southern entrance near the Target side) has been installed and the drive-up return is slated for a north-side location near a new Round 1 storefront.
Rina described a continuing partnership with the San Diego Law Library that will resume twice-monthly visits and provide access to legal databases via library laptops at the mall location. She also said the library received a catalyst grant from the Society of American Archivists to capture Hispanic voices and memories; staff are testing workflows under the grant timeline.
Trustees pressed staff on when the remaining surprises would be fully uncovered and when a firmer end date would be known. Vasquez said most major unknowns have been identified but cautioned that electrical items exposed during HVAC removal and other trickle-effect work (framing→drywall→finish) could produce additional limited change orders. He said sewer testing and pouring concrete over the new sewer lines will be a gating activity for completing adjacent framing.
Looking ahead, Vasquez and staff said they will present finalized change-order costs, including the window package, in September and that the library foundation and friends groups are working with staff on unfunded second‑floor items; trustees expect a vote on first‑floor unfunded items at the September meeting and on second‑floor items at the October meeting.
Funding and schedule uncertainties leave a moderate implementation risk: major finish items (windows, specialty equipment) remain vendor-dependent and several change orders increased contract cost, though staff reported the work remains covered by the grant and identified trust funds where applicable.
