Restoration of Carmel-by-the-Sea's Historic Harrison Memorial Library Project

In the works for quite some time now, plans to restore and update the interior of our beloved Library is coming our way.  Your voice in this planning is welcome and critical to serving the community and beyond. 

A wonderful committee has selected their preferred Architect. And benefactor donations have already started coming in as orchestrated by the Carmel Public Library Foundation (CPLF).

In parallel, work continues to craft the optimal  partnership between the City and CPLF as this project continues to move ahead.  This initial contract discussion happened at the February 4th City Council Meeting and others to follow as highlighted below. 

June 24, 2025 - Special Carmel Library Board of Trustees

HERE is the staff report prepard for this meeting on the "Proposed Professional Services Agreement with Moore Ruble Yudell Architects for the Centennial Restoration of the Harrison Memorial Library"   
Note: this meeting could be postpone to a later date.

May 7, 2025 - Carmel Library Board of Trustees

HERE is the Staff Report - regarding the Approval of the Architect Agreement. HOWEVER this item was postponed due to delays in final/proposed agreement being ready for review.  Other items on the agenda were covered.

April 1, 2025 - Regular City Council Topic

HERE is the Staff Report prepared in advance reviewing the progress and recommended draft agreement between the City and CPLF. If the City/Architect agreement draft is ready, this too will be reviewed.
HERE is the YouTube starting from this topic - regarding the City/CPLF agreement - which was approved by Council

March 20, 2025 - Special Library Board of Trustee's - Contract(s) Update

HERE is the Agenda Report with attachments
HERE is the YouTube Video of this live session
At this meeting they discussed the proposed Draft Agreement between the City and the Foundation regarding the Project and provide comments to the City Council which can be conveyed by staff to the City Council for its meeting on April 1, 2025. 

February 4 2025 - Regular City Council Meeting - Reviewed current Draft of the Contact.

HERE is the Staff Report prepared in advance 
HERE is the YouTube recording starting with Council this topic.
HERE is a KSBW Report on Feb 5th
At this Council session there was universial City support for this project, it's priority, with it's timely and careful phased efforts - targeting successful completion by the Centennial Anniversary of this Historic Building in 2028. 

Councilmember Buder made a motion directing City staff to return with an amended agreement between the City and the CPLF that includes the following:

    • The Project Executive Committee will consist of three city-appointed and two CPLF-appointed members, with specific member composition to be determined.

    • The CPLF will have mutual approval on key decisions, as outlined in the City Attorney's presentation: Design, Changes in Design, Contract with Architect, Contract with Construction Contractor, Notice Inviting Bids, Award of Contract for Construction (Lowest Responsible Bidder), Phases for Construction Work if found feasible by Architect.

    • Deposits will be made into a segregated City bank account in advance of each phase, with funds coming from the CPLF.

    • The contingency amount will be 25% of the anticipated cost.

    • Cost overruns exceeding the contingency will be shared 50/50 between the City and CPLF.

    •  Recitals will be included that the contract processes will conform with state law, City Municipal Code and Policies, as well as the processes of the Library Board of Trustees, Planning Commission, Historic Resources Board.

    • The Project Executive Committee will provide opportunities for community input.

    • The parties agree to comply with applicable laws and in the event the parties come to a disagreement the matter will be resolved under state law. The motion also confirms that City staff will prioritize the project and ensure adherence to the Library Master Plan.

Motion seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Delves, and approved 5-0-0-0, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilmembers Baron, Buder, Delves, Dramov, and Mayor Byrne

Many parts of this significant community project will continue in parallel in the months to come.  And we will provide updates from both our City and the CPLF teams and partnership work with full community participation.