While the library construction itself cost just $17 million, a $64 million price tag is associated with multiple projects connected to the new West Hollywood Library. Haute Living breaks down the costs.

The new West Hollywood Library officially opened two weeks ago and residents have been impressed so far with the new facility – some even calling it a “showcase” and a “crown jewel” for the city. While many people are busy enjoying the new library, others are curious as to what exactly that alleged $64 million price tag went towards. While the entire project did cost $64 million, this price tag includes the library, but also includes many other construction projects associated with the library. The library itself is said to have cost $17 million.

In addition to the construction of the 32,000-square-foot library, the $64 million also includes the new parking deck that is located behind the library, the creation of additional parkland and demolition of the old library.

Dan Adams of Heery International Inc. and construction manager who is overseeing all of the city’s 25^th Anniversary Capital Projects, said construction of the library for $17 million is a very reasonable price. “The bottom line is that [the study] showed $17 million was a reasonable cost relative to other libraries.” Included in the $17 million was the ornate wood ceiling with recurring flower design on the library’s second floor. According to Adams, the ceiling, which is made of bamboo, ran around $1.5 to $2 million.

“It was intended to be a showcase ceiling,” said Adams.

Furniture, fixtures and equipment inside the library reportedly cost another $4 million. Included in that price are the computers and audiovisual equipment.

There is also a new five-story, 333-space parking deck with tennis courts on top and an adjacent single-story, 90-space parking garage for library patrons, all costing $16 million. That averages out to $40,000 per parking space, which Adams says is standard for parking space these days.

Another $8 million was designated for addition library-related projects, including the creation of parkland atop the library parking garage, demolition of the old library and the currently under way conversion of the old basketball court, old baseball field and parking spaces in front of the old library into parkland. Architect’s fees for the designs came to $9 million.

Purchasing the land on which the new library sits from Los Angeles County cost $4 million, which is reportedly fair market value for the acquisition. The sale went through in April 2009, just before construction began.

Adams added, “This has been particularly proud for me because I’m a West Hollywood resident. I got to walk to work, and now I get to enjoy the library and park.”

Source: West Hollywood Patch

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