Construction is set to begin later this month on the Sequim Library’s expansion and renovation project.
Hoch Construction of Port Angeles won the approximate $7.5 million construction contract on March 25 to add about 3,800 square feet to the existing 6,255-square-foot building at 30 N. Sequim Ave.
The expansion will feature more space and new equipment inside, along with a new parking lot, play area and on-site stormwater management facility.
Kyle Priest, owner of Hoch Construction, said he loves the design SHKS Architects came up with.
Graphic courtesy North Olympic Library System By spring 2025, staff with the North Olympic Library System anticipate the newly expanded and renovated Sequim Library to open. Library trustees recently approved a contract with Hoch Construction of Port Angeles to lead construction over the next year.
“It’ll have a real hometown farm style look when it’s done,” he said. “It’s going to fit into Sequim like it’s been here a 100 years.”
Construction is expected to go through spring 2025.
Library trustees approved the base contract for approximately $6.9 million with Hoch in a special meeting on Monday, March 25, in a 4-0 vote; trustee Bert Caldwell was excused.
NOLS’ architect’s original cost estimate for the project was $6.143 million over the last year. Hoch’s base bid was about $6.5 million, and with an added solar backup system alternative project for $384,000, taxes, and a 10% contingency, the total construction construction cost will be just under $7.5 million.
Asked about the difference between the architects’ estimate and the contract, NOLS executive director Noah Glaude said on March 25 that while the cost difference is more than $1 million, it’s not uncommon — particularly with the other four bidders, primarily from the I-5 corridor, bidding significantly higher.
According to NOLS documents’ Hoch’s base bid was about $556,000 less than the next bidder.
“I don’t feel if we went back out to bid, it would come back cheaper,” he said.
In a letter to library staff, Pia Westen with SHKS Architects — NOLS’ consulting firm for the project — wrote that she compared Hoch’s construction cost expectations with their own and “find(s) this number to be within a fair construction cost range.”
Sequim Gazette photo by Michael Dashiell / The Sequim Library’s temporary location at 609 W. Washington St. opened on April 1.
Trustees also approved a motion for Glaude to execute and approve contract amendments and change orders for the project if less than $50,000.
“We’re hoping not to have a lot of change orders and have it done close to the base price,” he said.
Costs
Glaude confirmed on March 25 that staff plan to cover the deficit with non-obligated voter bonds through the State Treasurer’s Office while continuing to fundraise, and seek grants and donations.
Staff has a meeting this week to determine bond terms, with more information to come before trustees.
Glaude said they’d likely pay an annual reimbursement over 10-20 years using some state timber revenues that average about $400,000 a year.
“As costs rise, I don’t think anything is going to get cheaper,” he said of the project.
Sequim Gazette photo by Michael Dashiell / The Sequim Library’s temporary location at 609 W. Washington St. opened on April 1.
NOLS has about $6.1 million for the project with about $2.6 million in NOLS funds, $2.2 million from the Department of Commerce, and $1.3 million in bequests, donations and grants.
On March 10, the Sequim Library closed for a move to a temporary library at 609 W. Washington St., Suite 21.
It opened on April 1, and will operate from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday.
The temporary library space will cost a little more than $273,000, including the $151,465 two-year lease, $45,000 for construction improvements, and about $68,000 for moving in and eventually back out.
Construction
Glaude said City of Sequim staff anticipate issuing the Sequim Library’s site permit this week for construction and construction is scheduled to begin in mid-April.
Priest said that he and his wife Carrie are excited for the project, with him coming from a Sequim pioneer family and his wife’s family business being local for more than 40 years.
“It’s huge for us,” Priest said. “For me personally, as member of the homesteading family of the Priests, it’s exciting to have something like the Sequim Library to build and to put my own personal mark on.”
In her letter to NOLS, Westen wrote that Hoch’s references all relayed positive and successful project experiences.
“I appreciate being able to work with a local company,” Glaude said on March 25. “Hoch has been very easy to work with. They know the local markets and it’s nice to be able to support a local company, too.”
Hoch renovated the Sequim Library in 2009 and the temporary library space. They also remodeled the Forks Library, a portion of the Port Angeles Main Library, and the Jefferson County Library.
Priest said they’ll use as many local subcontractors for the project as possible.
Staff are planning a ground breaking ceremony in late April for the new library with more information to come.
For more information, visit nols.org/sequim-move.
