MARLBOROUGH – Marlborough’s library project may be on track to run $1 million over budget after unanticipated cost overruns.
Mayor Arthur Vigeant sent a letter to the Marlborough City Council last week requesting its review and approval for a $1 million transfer to cover these costs.
Vigeant wrote that the historic library’s terra cotta main entrance is made of large masonry units that are steel reinforced. During the renovation process, crews discovered that parts of the steel reinforcement had been severely rusted or rotted.
“The recommended repair is to remove the blocks in their entirety, repair the steel reinforcing in the blocks and brick wall and reinstall them including repair or replacement of blocks that are non-repairable,” Vigeant wrote.
He also wrote that the anticipated cost of this repair is $1 million, adding that “a decision needs to be made” about whether Marlborough should have them repaired, or replaced with something cheaper.
Renovations on the historic library have been underway since last year.
The project involves an extensive overhaul, with crews demolishing much of the previous library structure while preserving the most historic, original portion of the building.
Speaking with the Community Advocate earlier this year, crews reported that they were roughly on schedule in the project, save for a one week delay.
Library staff and construction personnel are now gearing up for a topping off ceremony next week to mark recent progress with the library project.
The City Council referred this matter to its finance committee during its meeting on Monday.
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