Board approves $4.6 million Keys Community Center renovation to expand library space

Stanislaus County supervisors unanimously approved a plan March 3 to renovate the Keys Community Center and expand library space in the facility.

General Services Agency staff described the Keys building as a 7,500‑square‑foot structure built in 1968, acquired by the county in 1975, and in need of ADA and structural improvements. The project will create a dedicated 2,000‑square‑foot library tenant space, a shared multi‑purpose room, and a dedicated area for the Police Activities League. Renderings and a conceptual floorplan were shown to the board and the project team said they expect a fast‑track construction schedule with a notice to proceed issued immediately and construction running from mid‑March to December.

GSA requested a full project budget of $4.6 million split between the library ($2.6 million) and GSA ($2.0 million). Staff recommended closing the facility for about nine months during construction; library services will be provided at nearby branches while the Keys project proceeds. The board approved the budget, amendments to job order contracts, and a time‑limited staff position extension necessary for delivery.

Keys resident Steve Marorrow spoke in support and asked the county to consider adding Saturday hours after the renovation. Supervisors praised the project as part of broader BCSI investments in libraries and parks and approved the staff package 5‑0.

What happens next: GSA will issue a notice to proceed to the selected contractor, close the Keys site for construction per the stated timeline, and coordinate temporary library services at neighboring branches during the renovation.