The new Gulf Gate Library will be built on the site of the existing library, 7112 Curtiss Ave., Sarasota, which opened in that location in December 1983. Harvard Jolly Inc., the consultant on Phase 1 of the project, which included site selection and conceptual planning services, will perform architectural and engineering services for design, bidding assistance and construction administration services in the contract awarded Tuesday.
The new library will be a two-story building with about 22,000 square feet. It will have drive-through book and media drop-off areas, automated materials check-in and sorting, large meeting rooms equipped with current technology, parking, landscaping and buffers and stormwater facilities.
Design is expected to be completed in November 2012, with construction beginning in early 2013.
Funding for architectural and engineering services contract will be provided by the penny surtax (1-cent sales tax) and library impact fees construction money.