Council approves construction contract for new library

Published on February 11, 2021 under RRnews

The Round Rock City Council voted unanimously Feb. 11 to award construction of the new public library to Hensel Phelps for $29.8 million.

The library, which previously was expected to be completed by November 2023, now has an anticipated completion date of January 2023. The library is the last major project from a series of bonds approved by Round Rock voters in 2013. It will be located at 200 East Liberty Avenue in downtown, one block north of the existing library.

The design by PGAL, Inc. includes a 66,000 square foot, three story building with a 300-space parking garage that will serve the library as well as the downtown area. The garage portion of the project will be funded through the City’s Type B sales tax revenues.

With additional space and modernized features, the library will expand its core services with ambitious programming that takes advantage of advanced technology. This will be offered with outdoor garden spaces, flexible conference rooms and training and educational labs.

Hensel Phelps has extensive construction experience in both the public and private sectors. Local projects include the Austin Public Library and Kalahari Resort and Conventions.

Previous to the COVID-19 pandemic, the library was averaging more than 30,000 visitors on a monthly basis. The City of Round Rock expects to maintain ownership of the current library building at this time.

Visit roundrocktexas.gov/library for updates on the project.

RRPL Design Rendering