History
History of the 2025 – 2026 Expansion Project
2017
Williams Architects conducted a comprehensive needs assessment that included public feedback. The evaluation determined the current building space and layout did not meet the community’s needs.
2020
Interior renovation was completed to address some identified needs, including adding five meeting rooms.
2021
2022-24 strategic plan is completed, including community input in identifying expanded facility needs to meet community demands.
2022
Studio GC is selected to provide designs to meet identified needs.
The City of Highland Park includes the expansion project in the 10-year Capital Improvement Plan for construction to begin in 2025.
2024
February
The Library hosted an Expansion Design Preview Event. Images and information were shared with the public. The design team utilized feedback gathered at the meeting and after to make changes based on project feasibility and financial impact.
June
The Library was awarded a $125,000 Public Library Construction Grant for the office of the Illinois Secretary of State.
December
The Highland Park Planning and Design Commission approved the expansion project.
2025
January
The Highland Park City Council approved the expansion project.
March
The request for construction bids was announced, and five bids from prequalified contractors were received.
April
The Library Board of Trustees holds two meetings to review the bids and consider options.
Library Board of Trustees approves the motion to move forward and sign a contract with Lo Destro Construction for $9.5M. The project scope will include a new ADA-compliant 3-stop elevator and restrooms, a new staircase, and the addition of 7,800 sf to include a new Youth Services area and a community meeting space.
Due to rapid changes in the market and challenges with construction in a historic building, the project costs were above the $7M estimates provided by the architects. The 2025-26 expansion project will not include adding a makerspace, staff workrooms, upgrading the archives, main floor lobby renovations, and teen room facelift. Those priorities will be included in later phases that will be incorporated into the library’s 10-year capital improvement plan, subject to approval.
