Larkspur library project budget expands by $1.4M

The Larkspur City Council has added nearly $1.4 million to its library construction budget for building enhancements.

The council unanimously approved a budget amendment raising the total project budget to $17.5 million at its meeting on Oct. 16.

Enhancements to the building include solar power generators, electric vehicle chargers, clerestory windows and landscaped outdoor gathering spaces.

The approved items will be built into the design, said Public Works Director Julian Skinner. Staff will return to council at a later date with implementation and construction plans.

“No two projects are the same,” Skinner said. “We are building a building we want to be available for public use for 50 to 100 years.”

The new library will be at the Commons, a city-owned parcel at the corner of Rose Lane and Doherty Drive. The Commons Foundation, a nonprofit, has raised $5 million in donations. The city said it will receive a $1 million state-targeted grant and a $5.2 million state library grant to assist in funding the project, but that the money must be spent this fiscal year.

The new 6,845-square-foot library will replace the one at City Hall. It also will feature a 1,655-square-foot community center, public areas and parking.

The expanded budget includes $669,000 from the Commons Foundation, $368,500 from the Measure G Fund and $361,500 from two sources: interest generated by the state grant and the city’s Measure B paving program, which will have a balance of $2 million at the end of the fiscal year, according to a staff report.

The Commons Foundation is continuing fundraising efforts, said president Ann Morrison. She said the group has retained naming rights on certain rooms in the building, which could be used as a carrot for potential new donations.

“Together we worked as a team and make this happen. It’s been such a thrill to watch this come together,” she said.

Councilmember Catherine Way endorsed the additions, complimenting the public works team for realizing savings in certain areas.

“I think we are working with a very good team,” Way said.

The design includes a 32-space parking lot and 13 parking spaces on the west side of Rose Lane. The council opted to approve the original plans over concerns from residents about congestion and environmental impacts, but noted that further delays could jeopardize state funding.

Town leaders plan to use eminent domain to acquire an easement on Rose Lane. The council approved a resolution of necessity for the 16,067-square-foot easement at a meeting last month.

The city sent a $40,000 offer to purchase the property from the Rose Lane Master Association, a homeowners association, on April 1. The city has been unsuccessful in acquiring the property through negotiation.

Construction is tentatively set for early 2025. The project is scheduled to be completed in early 2026.