Holyoke Public Library Board of Trustees Awards DPM Contract to Provide Owner’s Project Management Services for the Expansion and Renovation of the 1902 Historic Building

Newton, MA — Diversified Project Management, Inc. (DPM), a Newton, MA-based Owner’s Representative firm providing Programming, Project Management, Construction Administration, FF&E Coordination and Move-Planning Services, announced today that it has been retained by the Holyoke Public Library to manage the design and construction of an expanded library building program which includes restoration of a significant portion of the existing historic structure.

Newton, MA — Diversified Project Management, Inc. (DPM), a Newton, MA-based Owner’s Representative firm providing Programming, Project Management, Construction Administration, FF&E Coordination and Move-Planning Services, announced today that it has been retained by the Holyoke Public Library to manage the design and construction of an expanded library building program which includes restoration of a significant portion of the existing historic structure.

The Library is a civic landmark in downtown Holyoke and is a classically designed example of Greek architecture with beautifully detailed features inside and out. The building is constructed with a structure of wood and steel with a skin of glazed white brick and Indiana limestone including intricate sills, lintels, emblems, columns, and cornices. The Library has been working to obtain a grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners to assist in the cost of expanding the facility to include nearly 40,000 square feet, while preserving and restoring a large portion of the original structure. A construction grant application was accepted by the Commissioners on July 7, 2005 and a provisional grant was awarded on August 14, 2008 in the amount of $4,367,594.

To facilitate the renovation portion of the project, a temporary relocation may be part of the overall construction project. This willl be reviewed and analyzed in detail before a final decision is reached. The total project cost is estimated to be between $14M and $17.5M. It is the intention of the Board of Trustees to achieve a final schematic design and approval of the Commission by mid-June 2010.

DPM will provide full project management services including the management of the budget, scope & schedule, bidding & the selection of consultants and the vendors including the general contractor or construction manager. During renovations and construction DPM will provide on-site construction administration resources. Frank Kennedy is leading the DPM effort serving as the Project Executive.

DPM has previously managed similar municipal projects including the management of the new Senior Center also in Holyoke. Frank and the other project team members are enthusiastic about working on the Library project. “It’s a thrill to be a part of a project that will combine the best of the last century with a facility that will reach far into the future with technology, information and education. We’re honored to be serving,” Kennedy said.