Plans for CdM library/fire station grow

Conceptual plans for a new library and fire station in Corona del Mar are up for the Newport Beach City Council’s approval Tuesday.

The decision on the so-called “fibrary” comes after months of public outreach with various stakeholders, including library staff, firefighters and Friends of the CdM Library, which formed earlier this year with the goal of encouraging an even larger library than city officials originally envisioned.

With those groups’ influence, the dual-purpose facility, with a so-called “prairie” look, is now proposed to be more than 10,000 square feet instead of 8,000.

City staff said the additional space has brought the estimated project cost up to $8 million — $1.25 million more than the original estimate from last year.

“This expected increase in cost for the facility can be primarily attributed to the increased size of the building and is in line with industry standards,” according to city staff. “Construction costs for this type of facility are now hovering around $600 per square foot. However, staff believes that through the upcoming design development phase, there will be opportunities to value engineer the project to reduce costs.”

Staff describe value engineering as incorporating standard sizes and quality materials instead of custom materials. They also noted that library staff may find private funding for furnishings, features or equipment.

The library branch at 420 Marigold Ave. opened in 1959. It got a 2,000-square-foot expansion in 1968 and, at 3,795 square feet, is able to house about 25,000 books.

The new library is proposed to be slightly larger, at 3,872 square feet, with a 635-square-foot outside patio.

The one-story fire station, next to the library at 410 Marigold Ave., has been in service since around 1950. The new station would be two stories and about 6,000 square feet, or about twice the space firefighters have there now.

If approved by the council, construction on the two buildings could begin next year and take between 12 and 14 months.

During construction, CdM customers would be able to order materials online and pick them up at the OASIS Senior Center.

Tuesday’s council meeting begins at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 100 Civic Center Drive.