Staff Recommends Library Architect

City staff has recommended to city council a first-place choice for the architectural design of the new central library: Barnes Gromatzky Kosarek Architects and Taniguchi (both Austin firms) with Holzman Moss, a joint venture. The BGK team stressed a design process that would involve substantial public participation and community input. The agenda item posted follows.

Over 400 public comments on the three finalist proposals had been received online as of 4 pm today. The online form remains up and comments can be made through 12 midnight tonight, at www.cityofaustin.org/library.

From Nov. 6 city council agenda:

Authorize negotiation and execution of a professional services agreement with one of the following firms: BARNES GROMATZKY KOSAREK ARCHITECTS AND TANIGUCHI WITH HOLZMAN MOSS Joint Venture, Austin, TX (staff recommendation); PAGE SOUTHERLAND PAGE / PATKAU ARCHITECTS Joint Venture, Austin, TX; LAKE / FLATO ARCHITECTS AND SHEPLEY BULFINCH RICHARDSON & ABBOTT Joint Venture, San Antonio, TX to provide architectural services for the New Central Library in an amount not to exceed $7,200,000. Funding in the amount of $7,200,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2008-2009 Capital Budget of the Library Department. Best qualification statement of 22 statements received. This contract will be awarded in compliance with Chapter 2-9B of the City Code (Minority Owned and Women Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) by meeting the goals with 22.40% MBE and 14.30% WBE subconsultant participation.