Letter to the Editor: Materials re-use and the new library building
Posted October 20, 2022 at 9:00 pm by San Juan Update
Here are some helpful facts and corrections about the new library construction expenses and re-use of materials.
First, the total projected cost of the new library building itself is $18 million. For a 15,000 square-foot building, that works out to $1,200 per square foot — about the same cost as an upper-end single-family residence here on San Juan Island. Keep in mind that a single-family residence doesn’t have anywhere near what’s required by the Uniform Building Code for a public building. The structural design, electrical, plumbing, handicap access, public bathrooms, railings, floor structure, even sewage all must meet high-capacity regulations required by the State.
That said, the price per square foot for construction is well within reason.
Second, the existing building has been sitting vacant for five years. It has suffered from serious neglect by the previous owner, in addition to water damage and mold from last winter’s flooding. What has been removed already is asbestos and areas severely damaged by water and mold — all paid for by the insurance carrier and not a part of the proposed project budget.
Any materials that are reusable will be. That includes solid wood doors, sinks, wood molding, and windows. As a public entity, the Library cannot give away reusable materials, but they will be sold or auctioned off.
Third, there were lengthy feasibility studies done over the past few years to determine whether the existing building could somehow be saved and remodeled. It was decided that it is not feasible for a new library project. The feasibility study can be found on our Library’s own website.
So, before you let yourself be talked out of this opportunity by the folks that claim to love libraries but are voting no, educate yourself with the facts and consider all the benefits an expanded library can offer our community.
Brad Pillow
San Juan Island
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Categories: Around Here
2 comments:
2 comments...
Well, there we go. The tyranny of self-righteous thinking. Thoughtful detractors of an inflated dream rather than a realistic library plan, that embraces consideration of our many other tax obligations and faltering local economy, like me, are smugly smeared. Very like blindered religious assertions like “you can’t really love Jesus if you approve of abortion” etc.
I guess that I expected more of Brad Pillow.
His claims that a tiny percentage of the landfill solid waste from the Life Care Center woodwork and sinks will be auctioned for pennies on the dollar is grasping at meaningless straws.
Actual construction costs, price per square foot, and levy mill rate are yet to be determined. What is so unacceptable about planning for say a 12,000 sq. ft. new library using more sheetrock than clear grained wood to address current and anticipated needs? Grandiose architectural elements and “wow, award winning elements!” should be paid for by large donations from single-minded supporters thus further reducing the contribution to the tax burden for regular folks trying to make a home here.
Thank you Brad–this needed to be said. Lots of misinformation going around. Some people seem to think that the existing building could be renovated. The Library has kept up the outside appearance of the building—so we don’t have an eyesore. The building is another story.
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