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Board approves St. John’s Library construction plan and $8.95M guaranteed maximum price
Summary
Multnomah County approved the St. John’s Library project plan and a guaranteed maximum price amendment with a GMP of $8,950,000 within an authorized $13.3 million budget; the board recorded unanimous support and staff said the project targets LEED Gold and a spring 2026 opening.
The Multnomah County Board on Tuesday approved the St. John’s Library project plan under FAC‑1 and authorized a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) amendment for construction.
Kate Vance, library capital bond deputy director, and Elise Hendrickson, project manager for the St. John’s Library, briefed the board on scope, budget and schedule. The project enlarges the existing St. John’s Carnegie library footprint by roughly 2,900 square feet to create program space for children and families, a teen area, flexible community meeting rooms and upgraded technology. The original Carnegie structure will be preserved and seismically upgraded; a new addition will be placed on the rear of the property.
The board approved a GMP amendment with general contractor Howard S. Wright. The presentation listed a proposed GMP of $8,950,000 (including an owner’s‑controlled contingency of about 5 percent) within an authorized project budget of $13,300,000. Hendrickson said the team received building permits this week and that construction mobilization began after the recent groundbreaking; the project tracks to substantial completion in winter 2026 with an anticipated public opening in early spring 2026.
Hendrickson also reported sustainability and equity metrics: the project is tracking toward LEED Gold (reported as 67 points) and an Energy Use Intensity target of 41.7. The team reported about 26 percent certified diversity participation to date, with more than half coming from women‑owned businesses; the project’s participation goal is 25 percent.
A short public comment from a local resident expressed support for library services and suggested library technology upgrades and patron headphones be considered; no speakers opposed the project. The board voted unanimously to approve the FAC‑1 project plan and the GMP amendment.
Commissioners praised the library program and the project team for community engagement and design work. Staff said they will continue to provide updates to the board as construction proceeds and will coordinate library mobile and community center services while the St. John’s branch is closed during construction.
