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Board approves St. John’s Library construction GMP as part of bond program
Summary
Multnomah County approved a guaranteed maximum price amendment and the project plan to proceed with construction of the St. John's Library expansion and renovation; the project targets LEED Gold and an early 2026 opening with a GMP of about $8.95 million within a $13.3 million authorized budget.
The Multnomah County Board approved a resolution to proceed with construction and a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) amendment for the St. John’s Library as the final major project under the county library capital bond.
Library staff described plans to preserve the original Carnegie building while adding roughly 2,000 additional square feet (bringing the public footprint into the 7,000–8,500 square‑foot range), create expanded children’s play and learning spaces, a teen tech area and flexible community rooms, and pursue sustainability targets consistent with LEED Gold. The project team reported a current authorized budget of $13.3 million and a proposed GMP with the general contractor Howard S. Wright of $8.95 million that includes a roughly 5% owner’s contingency. Staff said they received building permits this week and anticipate substantial completion in winter 2026 with an early spring 2026 opening.
Board members praised the project’s community engagement, accessibility and the bond program’s record of neighborhood outreach. No public testimony opposed the project; one public speaker expressed general support and asked programming questions. The board voted unanimously to adopt the resolution and GMP amendment.
What happens next: With board approval the project management team expects to finalize the GMP amendment in early January and continue construction per the schedule. Staff said they can provide the construction‑related M/W/DBE (diversity) participation and cost breakdowns upon request.
