Architect’s rendering of the proposed Lyme Public Library renovation and expansion.

There was a small cheer Wednesday night when members of the Lyme Town Hall and Library Building Committee, meeting in special session, voted to authorize the start of construction.  Work will begin on Sept. 24, and a groundbreaking ceremony is tentatively scheduled for Thursday morning, Oct. 17.

The Building Committee has had to deal with several setbacks over the last few months.  Construction had been scheduled to begin in July, but the bid package came in more than $800,000 over budget.  Knowing they must do better, the committee voted to reject all bids and to put the job out to bid a second time.

Along with the construction managers, Enterprise Builders, and the architect, Bruce Tuthill, the Building Committee engaged in a round of value engineering, looking for savings that would not change the overall scope of the project.  Enterprise Builders also made changes to the bid packages and the bidding process to attract more qualified bidders.

The work yielded better results — however, once everything was tallied up, the project was still $380,000 over the approved budget.  The Building Committee was faced with three unpleasant choices.

• Go ahead with a project, knowing that it was over budget and hope for savings along the way
• Postpone until spring and use the winter to redesign
• Stop the project entirely

Rescue came from the Lyme Public Library Board of Directors and their financial partner, Lyme Public Library, Inc.  They agreed to offer up to $380,000 from the library’s endowment if the funds are needed to complete the project.

Architect’s rendering of the proposed Lyme Town Hall renovation and expansion.

The Town of Lyme will hold a town meeting on Sept. 23 to request an increase of the project spending cap from $4.7 million to $5.08 million.  With the promise of funds from the library, the change will not result in an increase to Lyme taxpayers and the project can proceed.

The Town Hall and Library building project includes the renovation and expansion of the current town hall and the building of a new library.  The town hall will double in size to approximately 5,000 square feet, and will include a 400 square foot vault for town records, additional office space, and a new meeting room located in the old church building.

The new 6,800 square foot library will include space for the Lyme Public Hall Local History Archives, a separate space for children, and a much needed program room.  Construction is expected to take 14 to 16 months.