LAKE COUNTY ? The Lake County Board of Supervisors approved an architectural service agreement for the Middletown Senior Center and Library during its regular meeting Tuesday. The board accepted a proposal for services from Kappe and Du Architects.
The project site is located at 21256 Washington Street in Middletown. Approximate size of the site is .84 acres. Budget for the entire project is $3.1 million.
Kappe and Du Architects are contracted to design the new branch library and senior center with an estimated conditioned space of approximately 11,000 square feet. The firm will be meeting with representatives from the county, senior center and library board to develop an adequate program for the building. Additionally, the architect will be providing a master plan for the lot directly north of the construction site.
“We kept all options opens as to whether it will be one building or two,” Lake County Administrator Kelly Cox said. “With the economy, it will probably be one.”
A consultant selection board was established to identify the top firm and after interviewing several of the top-rated firms, the selection board chose Kappe and Du Architects, LLC, of San Rafael for recommendation to the board. The contract agreement is for $248,000.
“It was beneficial to have two board members on the selection board,” Cox said. “That consultant selection board really gave it a fair choice. This consultant was the best and they were the lowest price.”
The consultant selection board consisted of Jim Comstock, District 1 supervisor; Rob Brown, District 5 supervisor; Susan Clayton, county librarian; Rick Coel, county community development director; Jacque Spiker, Middletown Senior Center executive director; Mona Lock, Friends of the Gibson Library board; and Cox.
According to the report provided by Administrative Analyst Doug Willardson, the selection board chose Kappe and Du Architects for several reasons. First, the firm was enthusiastic and dedicated to providing a quality project. Second, it has extensive experience in designing libraries and buildings for the elderly. The firm understands the project”s scope and limitations as well as the needs of the community. The architect”s fees are fair and reasonable as well as the lowest proposed price; and lastly because the firm has a strong professional reputation and very positive references.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
