Library trustees weigh modular option to cut Norridgewock project cost

Library trustees agreed at a meeting to explore modular‑construction options as a way to reduce the projected cost of a proposed new library and to scale back several elements of the original plan.

Roger, a trustee who researched modular vendors online, told colleagues he found several firms — including Showcase Homes of Maine of Bangor — that build both residential and commercial modular structures. He said modular pricing shown online ranged from about $42 to $154 per square foot and that, based on the trustees' 3,660 square‑foot figure for phase one, a high‑end modular build at $154 per square foot would total roughly $563,600. "If you went with the high‑end ... that would come out to $563,600," he said.

Trustees said those modular estimates are meaningfully lower than prior figures presented for the project, which some members described as running into the millions and cited a $400 per‑square‑foot estimate for an earlier design. Several members described a unanimous willingness among trustees to pare back the "wish list" — cutting or downsizing features such as a fireplace, an independent community room and extra bathrooms — to bring the project closer to a price voters might approve.

A separate line of discussion addressed the fate of the existing library building if a new facility were approved. One trustee said similar small structures recently bid by the school district drew minimal proceeds, and members noted possible reuse, donation or demolition as possibilities; the transcript records that sale proceeds or reuse value were "not specified."

Trustees also discussed engaging local modular builders before committing to out‑of‑town firms. Members named a local company that has pivoted into modular construction and suggested asking that builder for options and pricing, while noting the need to meet ADA and technology requirements.

The group asked Roger to contact one to three modular companies, share the trustees' diagram and site constraints, and return with more detailed pricing and feasibility information. The transcript does not record a formal vote on that direction; instead, trustees reached consensus to have Roger investigate and report back.

Votes at a glance • Motion to accept March 23 minutes — motion made, seconded and approved (mover/second and vote tally not specified in transcript). • Next meeting set for May 26 at 1:00 p.m. (consensus recorded in discussion).

What happens next Roger will solicit information and pricing from modular builders and report his findings to the trustees at a future meeting. Trustees said they want clearer cost breakdowns and better documentation of consultant estimates before asking voters to approve a project.