The new Central Library, which will draw more than 8,000 visitors per day, was designed as a functional, user-friendly building featuring comprehensive services and a mix of formal and informal spaces.  The total library program area is 362,987 square feet, with an additional 49,000 square feet for underground parking for 143 vehicles.  The Library has a capacity for more than 1.4 million books and materials and will circulate 4.7 million items annually.  Technological features of the Library include 400 public computers, more than 50 databases, wireless Internet access, and an advanced automated book check in and sorting system.  The novel design was meant to challenge expectations of what one might expect in a library, but also to be energy and resource efficient.  The building achieved LEED Silver Certification.

Size:     
362,987 square feet

Construction Cost:   
$104 million

Completed:    
2004

The role of a cost consultant in any construction project is to help the owner understand and manage project costs, in order to remain within the established budget. In most cases, cost consultants provide this service by first assisting the owner to establish a realistic budget, and then to provide estimates of total cost for construction at the end of each phase of design. From the start of this project, however, our team was faced with a number of challenges. The design incorporated some unconventional ideas and materials, such as the unique shape of the building, the materials used in the outer skin, and the mechanical systems installed within the building to provide heating and cooling for the interior.

The challenges due to the design and materials for this project meant that we were required to take on a more interactive role, working closely with the designers and integrating cost with design at every step of the process. From the earliest concept of the building it was clear to all involved that in order to stay on budget, the project had to remain open to new alternatives and opportunities.

Milestone cost estimating was not an option with the pace of the development process and the unique, iconic nature of the design. Davis Langdon was therefore required to maintain a constant presence alongside the design team to react to modifications, evaluate design alternatives and to prevent deviation from the project budget.