REQUEST forLETTER OF INTEREST and QUALIFICATIONS
For Architectural Services for
A New Public Library
The Cranbury Public Library, Cranbury, Middlesex County, NJ is requesting Letters of Interest and Qualifications by October 21, 2013from architectural firms experienced in the design of public library buildings.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Cranbury needs a first-rate, free-standing public library and community meeting space. Cranbury Township is a special place; we are fortunate to have over 2000 acres of preserved farmland, a national historic district, a Blue-Ribbon school, and many dedicated township employees and citizens. Unfortunately, our public library has outgrown the space it shares with the school and no longer meets either the town’s or the school’s needs.
The Cranbury Public Library envisions itself as the heart of the town. The new library will be both a community center and an information gateway for the delivery of an expanded range of resources and services. This library will serve as the community living room for citizens of all ages in an inviting and flexible space. We imagine a library that will meet the community’s ongoing needs, including:
- More library space withCfull access during all library hours for adults and children.
- Comfortable seating and study areas for all age groups.
- A large public gathering area for individuals and organizations.
- Small, quiet study rooms; separate children’s room.
- An Electronic Learning Center featuring a projector and smart board for use by individuals, community groups and businesses. Laptops will be available to transform this room into a computer classroom.
- Space on the shelves to acquire and retain more books.
- More computer space.
Currently, the public library shares space with the K-8 school library. A separate and distinct public library willallow those needs to be met.
The Cranbury Public Library Foundation has presented to the community the Library's plan to build a new 10,000 square-foot, energy-efficient and sustainable facility with a total project budget (including soft costs) of $3.2 million.
It is the intent of the Library Facilities Committee to select a qualified architectural firm to design the new library. This firm should have not only library design experience, but also theexperience to design a project to meetthe sensitivitiesof a small vibrant community with farmland roots and the importance ofcompatibilityto its village and historic district. The site is located next to the Cranbury School overlooking a preserved farmland vista within a short walking distance from the village centerat the end of Park Place West.
SELECTION PROCESS:
After the receipt and review of the initial letters of interest with qualification statements, the Library’s Facilities Committee will aska limited number of firms to submit a detailed Qualification Statement including references.
From thosesubmittals, a select list of firms will be asked to attend an interview and submit a fee proposal. The successful firm will be asked to provide their services in 2 phases, (a) schematic design and (b) the balance of design and documentation and construction period services.
The architectural design fee will include architectural, structural, mechanical & electrical engineering services. Civil design fees will be an alternate. You will be asked to name your consultant engineering firms.
It is the Library’s intent to engage the architect’s services for Schematic Design immediately after the selection process.
The letter of interest should be sent to:
Marilynn Mullen, Director
Cranbury Public Library
23 North Main Street
Cranbury NJ 08512
Letter of interest must be clearly marked “Letter of Interest and Qualifications forA New Public Library - Architectural Services.”
The letter of interest shall not exceed one page and a statement of qualifications shall not exceed one page. The selection procedure as stated above will be followed.
Questions regarding this solicitation and project may also be addressed to Marilynn Mullen.
No phone calls will be accepted.