Grant Application Update

On March 26, 2003 the City of San Marino delivered a second cycle application for a California Reading and Literacy Improvement and Public Library Construction and Renovation Grant to the California State Library, Office of Library Construction for funds to build a new San Marino Public Library. The schematic design plans are identical to the plans submitted in the first cycle application of June 2003. Estimated construction costs have increased only slightly from $5,385, 000 in the cycle one application to $5,522,000 in cycle two. The estimated total project cost in cycle one was $11,114,125; in the Cycle Two application the estimated total project cost is $11,486,405. If the city were to be awarded a grant in cycle two, the amount received would be $7,035.651. The major factor for the increase in estimated costs are the escalators required by the grant application.

The City Council has approved a contract with Fields Devereaux Architects and Engineers (FDAE) to proceed to the next level of design with the Design Development phase. City Council has also approved funds to support a Capital Campaign to raise funds necessary for the new library building. If the Library receives a grant the Campaign goal will be in about $3 million. If the City is not awarded a State grant, the Campaign goal will be $5.5 million. The City is looking forward to a public private partnership to engage the community and raise the necessary funds locally.