Mayor Brodeur Announces Award of the Construction Contract for Library Renovation Project
Mayor Brodeur is excited to announce the award of the contract for the construction phase of the Melrose Public Library Renovation and Addition Project to Castagna Construction Corporation, a Massachusetts firm with extensive public construction experience. The award represents an important step forward for the project and a significant capital investment in one of the city’s most beloved institutions.

“The library renovations have been anticipated by the community for years and to finally arrive at this moment is extremely gratifying,” said Mayor Brodeur.  “I am thankful to the community for their ongoing support, and truly grateful that, despite the volatile economic climate, we have a financially viable project and a strong team in place to deliver this project by the spring of 2024.”

The construction contract, in the amount of $17,777,000, is roughly 12% higher than had been estimated when the project was authorized by the City Council one year ago.  Since that time, costs in the construction market have skyrocketed due to supply chain issues, the tight labor market, and a variety of other factors.  To address escalating costs and avoid the need for additional bond funds, the city has been aggressive about identifying additional funding sources to apply to the project, including $500,000 in Green Community grant funding, $500,000 in ARPA funding, an additional $200,000 in Library Board of Trustees trust funds on top of the $2,000,000 previously committed, incentive funds related to sustainability measures and LEED Certification, and anticipated private donations.

“These additional funds enable the award of the construction contract and provide the funds we need to successfully complete the project,” stated Denise Gaffey, Planning Director and Co-Chair of the Library Building Committee.  “We are fortunate to be in this position to lock in the construction costs with a lump sum contract, so we don’t lose momentum, jeopardize over $8,000,000 in grant funds from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, and waste all of the valuable effort expended over the past year to get where we are today.”

The project will preserve and restore the original 1903 library building, remove the 1960’s era addition and construct a new three-story addition that complements and enhances the historic Carnegie building and addresses the shortcomings of the current library.  Once renovated, the library will have a fully accessible front entrance, a community meeting room for large events, a dedicated teen room, and many other amenities.

“This community really loves its library, and Melrosians deserve a building that meets their 21st-century needs,” said Linda Gardener, the Director of the Melrose Public Library. “We are looking forward to breaking ground in November and moving ahead with the construction phase of the project, which will enable our library to be enjoyed for generations to come.”

Community members can stay up-to-date on the progress of the Library Renovation and Addition Project by visiting www.cityofmelrose.org/public-library/pages/building-renovation-project.