Library renovation stays on budget but opening delayed to March 2027 after concealed structural work

The JB Fletcher Library reconstruction remains on budget but its public opening has been pushed back from January 2027 to late March 2027 after workers found concealed structural deficiencies and additional hazardous materials during demolition, project managers told the Select Board on May 26.

"While our target delivery date for opening the library was January 2027, that has been extended until late March 2027," Jennifer McGroy, the owner's project manager from CHA Solutions, said during the board's quarterly update. She added that the project team has not compromised any program or design elements.

The renovation has used most of its contingency for unforeseen conditions, Ms. McGroy said, but the overall approved project budget has not changed. She reported roughly 92% of the project contingency remains available and the team has approved 29 change orders to date, most tied to concealed conditions. The largest single cost so far was about $125,000 to remedy structural deficiencies discovered after demolition.

Construction activities are continuing: steel erection and major concrete pours are complete, roof and exterior wall work is underway, and interior mechanical, electrical and plumbing installations are in progress. The project team has ramped up on-site coordination, increased mockup work to validate details, and is managing lead times for major equipment including the elevator and generator.

The project team said additional hazardous materials were identified during demolition beyond those flagged in the initial survey; third-party hygienists were retained to test suspect materials and remediation work has been performed where required.

Library services will remain available at the temporary location on Groten Road during the extended schedule. "We will maintain services at 515 Groten Road through the short schedule extension," the presentation said, and the town and trustees will continue to post updates on the library's and town websites.

Select Board members asked for a clearer accounting of contingency usage over time and for any incremental costs tied to operating the temporary library (for leases and insurance). Project staff said they are tracking those lease and operating impacts and will provide updated numbers to the town and trustees.

The board received the update as informational; no Select Board action was requested at the meeting. Project managers said they will return with quarterly updates and will bring any requests for additional Select Board approvals to the board as required.