By Ted AYALA

Fans of the Glendale Public Library have a little more to be happy about. The bid contract for the Brand Library‘s renovation project was announced on Tuesday night during the Glendale City Council meeting.

“We have a very momentous and exciting project,” announced City Manager Scott Ochoa. “It’s something that Council can take pride in. It’s a project much anticipated by the community.”

“This is a landmark facility in Glendale that provides a tremendous service to our community,” said Steve Zurn, director of Parks and Recreation. “We want it to continue to be a destination point for a long time to come.”

The Brand Library with its mash-up of Spanish, Moorish and Indian architecture has been an iconic city locale since it was built in 1925. It will be enjoying a deep renovation of its facilities which will see the library closed until early 2014.

“A bright spot in this economy is that [the city] has been able to receive some very competitive bids,” said Zurn. “In this case, an extremely competitive bid: 27% below the estimate.”

The bid was awarded to George C. Hopkins Construction Company of Glendale. Their bid came in at $4,394,570, which prompted the city to reject all competing bids.

The renovation will see the extensive reworking of the Brand Library’s infrastructure. The site will be modernized which will include seismic upgrades and improved access for the impaired. Preservation will also be key in the renovation for the building, now nearly 90 years old.

“I think this is an excellent project,” said Mayor Frank Quintero. “It will add value to the site. I’m very enthusiastic about it.”

  Ted Ayala