Town of Stow Shares Update on Randall Library Project Bidding Results

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STOW – The Town of Stow wishes to share an update on the Randall Library project following the most recent building committee meeting.

Since 2020, the Town has been working toward a plan to modernize the library to make it a focal point of life in Stow by ensuring the building is accessible and inclusive for all, reimagining program space, and addressing building systems and maintenance issues.

In spring 2022, voters approved spending $8.85 million on the project, both at Town Meeting and at a town-wide referendum on a Proposition 2 ½ debt exclusion. 

At a Special Town Meeting in September, voters authorized the Town Administrator to spend an additional $2.5 million on the project, funding which would come from the general fund operating budget and not be raised separately through taxation.

After hiring an independent cost estimator to provide a peer reviewed estimate on the project, the construction bids have come in at approximately $2 million over the revised budget.

After discussions with the estimators, engineers, and bidders, the Town has identified multiple factors affecting the project. Despite it being a large project for the Town, the library is a small-scale project for contractors. Due to current market conditions, there is an emerging preference among bidders toward new construction versus the perceived complexity of an addition/renovation project, especially for a historic building such as the Randall Library.

This resulted in a low number of bids received, therefore eliminating competition and inflating the bid prices that were received.

Several of the subcontracted trades had only one bid, which increased the costs. In addition, the project requires a specialized fire suppression system, which was bid much higher than expected; and the decision was made to go fully electric, which increased the overall cost of the system. Across all markets there have been labor shortages and supply chain issues driving prices up.

The Library Building Committee met on Monday, Nov. 27 to discuss the cost and to contemplate where additional cost savings can happen without jeopardizing the library’s needs and the community’s goals.

The project team is reviewing the cost increases – now at almost $1,200 per square foot instead of $980 per square foot – to see if there is room for additional savings. The team will also be reviewing the plans to see if spaces can be multi-purpose to save on additional square footage. The goal is to make reductions that do not impact program, staff, or patron space.

Over the next few months, the project team will be deciding what changes to make to the project and when will be the best time to rebid the project. Also, with the relocation of the library to the Town Building to help reduce costs, the Town is looking to utilize highway department staff to do some exterior sitework.

In addition, the Town plans to put out an RFP to remediate the asbestos, which is throughout the building. Regardless of the renovations ultimately completed, the health and safety issues for staff and patrons must be addressed. The Town will take advantage of the empty building and start working on smaller projects while waiting to rebid the larger overall project.

“Unfortunately, we are still in unprecedented times with escalation costs, labor shortages, and supply chain issues which are all affecting this project,” said Town Administrator Denise Dembkoski. “We’ve seen similar results across the state with equipment delays, rising home values, and increased costs in all markets. The big question is, will the economy level out and if so, when.” 

The Town does not intend to ask taxpayers for any additional funding.

Town of Stow
Denise Dembkoski,
Town Administrator
380 Great Road
Stow, MA 01775

Media Contact: Camryn Langille

Phone: 617-993-0003

Email: camryn@jgpr.net