Palm Desert weighs cheaper design for new library

Palm Desert City Council members indicated support Thursday for revising the design of the city’s planned new library after a cost estimate from a previous contractor came in at roughly $60 million, well above the project’s approved $30 million budget.

The council reviewed the update during a study session on the Progressive Design-Build procurement process for the facility, planned for the same location as the existing library. No contract award or budget action was requested at the meeting.

The city approved a $30 million project budget in February 2025, based on cost estimates tied to a schematic design completed by Richärd Kennedy Architects. The council awarded a progressive design-build contract to Tilden-Coil Constructors in November 2025, but ended the firm’s design-build scope in March after its validation report estimated $50 million to construct the project, a figure that grew to about $60 million once other project costs were included.

Councilmembers were asked to weigh two paths forward: continuing with the existing Richärd Kennedy design, or directing the selected design-build team to modify it to reduce costs.

Staff estimated that switching contractors alone could save about $5 million even if the original design is kept, while a broader value-engineering effort could save an estimated $10 million or more.

“Time is of the essence, you know. Time is money,” one staff member said, citing roughly 3% annual cost escalation on construction projects.

Councilmembers at the study session supported the options to have staff look at how to reduce costs in the design, specifically the glass curtain walls, building height, and other high-end features, all while preserving key elements like the multi‑purpose/community room, strong veteran services space, natural light, and flexible interior space for future needs.

Staff anticipate returning to council next month with a recommendation for award of the Progressive Design-Build contract, along with an updated project budget and any necessary financing actions.

Staff said they are targeting a fiscal year 2028-29 opening for the new facility.

The design discussion comes as the current Palm Desert Library reports rising demand for its services. According to the library’s annual report for fiscal year 2025-26, the number of library card holders grew 61% to 20,849, while total circulation rose 19% to 239,401 items. Digital hold wait times grew to an average of 24 days as digital holds rose 1512% to 14,247, outpacing the library’s materials budget, the report states.

The library operated on a $2,468,469 budget in fiscal year 2025-26 and drew additional support from $29,552 in grants and $38,000 from the nonprofit Friends of the Library. Its Summer Reading Program engaged 719 participants across 125 programs, and the library expanded technology assistance offerings, including a Tech Tutor for Seniors program.