Pasadena Mulls $3.45 Million Contract Amendment for Central Library Seismic Retrofit

The Pasadena City Council will on Monday consider a $3.45 million contract amendment with Gruen Associates, expanding the architectural and engineering firm’s role in the city’s seismic retrofit and renovation of the historic Central Library.

The new funding brings the total value of Contract No. 32526 to $9.56 million, ensuring Gruen Associates can continue design and project management services through the project’s completion under a Construction Manager At-Risk (CMAR) delivery model.

The library is expected to reopen by 2028.

Originally designed by noted architect Myron Hunt and opened in 1927, the Central Library is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has served as a cornerstone of Pasadena’s cultural and educational landscape. It was closed in 2021 after a structural assessment found its unreinforced masonry construction posed serious seismic risks.

Before its closure, the library drew about 1,000 visitors per day, hosted hundreds of events annually, and served as a vital hub for research and community engagement. The shutdown disrupted public access to services not offered at smaller branch libraries.

Gruen Associates was first awarded the contract in February 2023 for an amount not to exceed $6.1 million. The firm has since completed 90% of the design, including plans for seismic strengthening, historic preservation, accessibility upgrades, and system overhauls covering HVAC, fire safety, and roofing.

The amended contract will cover expanded responsibilities, including supporting the CMAR selection process, providing constructability and cost review coordination, and overseeing construction administration and project close-out.

City staff recommended bypassing competitive bidding for the amendment, citing Gruen’s deep knowledge of the building and their work to date. According to the city, the revised contract represents about 7.75% of the project’s estimated direct construction costs, which falls within standard ranges for complex public infrastructure efforts.

The project is being funded in part by Measure PL, a $195 million bond measure approved by Pasadena voters in 2024. Officials said the contract increase will not affect the city’s General Fund, with costs covered by the existing Central Library Seismic Retrofit and Renovations capital improvement budget.