Serving more than 800,000 Missourians in Jackson, Clay, and Platte Counties, Mid Continent Public Library (MCPL) is the largest library system in the Kansas City Metro Area and one of the largest in the country. JE Dunn was awarded this Construction Manager at Risk project to renovate, expand and build new facilities for the Library System. The master plan included 34 branches, which enhances services to customers by improving aging facilities.
This complex program required a phased approach, focusing on preconstruction efforts to maintain the overall budget. The program included replacing four branches with new buildings, two new branch locations, expanding four with substantial building additions and renovating 24 others. While the upgrades at each branch vary based on individual community needs and the building’s current condition, the improvements help ensure that branches serve the needs of modern library users. The timeline to enhance 34 branch libraries required precision planning. Originally, the MCPL system planned for a 10-year span of renovations and new buildings. Our team collaborated with the Owner, architect, and branch managers to shorten the schedule to five years.
