The Carnegie Library Building Remodel & Expansion project, which has been in the works since 2015, is set to break ground in early February 2024.
On Tuesday, Dec. 19, Manitou Springs City Council unanimously awarded the general contractor role to Fransen Pittman, a Centennial-based company, and appointed Artaic Group as the owner’s representative for the transformational project. The city owns the building, which was constructed in 1910.
These selections reflect a careful consideration of expertise in historic preservation, public space development and accessibility enhancements for the building.
The estimated project cost stands at approximately $4,529,873.
As of now, a combination of city funding, grants, donations, a lease advance from the Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) and various contributions has reached $4,758,195, with a remaining contingency fund of a little more than $200,000. Donations and expenditures date back to 2016.
In a press release, the city of Manitou Springs expressed gratitude for the community’s support, while also recognizing that the fundraising goals are not quite finished.
“We are thrilled to have successfully raised the necessary funds for the groundbreaking. Nevertheless, our funding journey is not yet complete. Maintaining a robust contingency fund is crucial for ensuring the project’s success,” the press release stated.
To contribute to the project, please visit saveourcarnegie.com.
“Fransen Pittman is incredibly honored and thrilled to be given the opportunity to restore and renovate this Carnegie Library for the city of Manitou Springs and for Pikes Peak Library District. We are excited to get started and make this project a success,” said Paul King, Fransen Pittman senior estimator.
A formal groundbreaking ceremony is slated for mid-late January, and further details will be shared soon.
Funding breakdown:
● Total current funding — $4,758,195
● Total estimated project costs — $4,529,873
● Total project reserves — $228,322
● Project reserves goal — $450,000
● Total funding still needed — $221,678*
* Any surplus funds would be allocated to building maintenance or future Carnegie Library projects.
In 2015, community volunteers restarted efforts to restore and expand the Carnegie Library, and in March 2020, the Manitou Springs Carnegie Library closed its doors due to issues that made the historic building inaccessible to many people with mobility-related disabilities. The PPLD moved the library operations into the Manitou Art Center.
On March 21, 2023, the Manitou Springs City Council gave unanimous approval for the Major Development Plan for the Carnegie Library and on April 5, 2023, the Historic Preservation Commission gave unanimous approval for the material change of appearance certification for the Carnegie Library.
Editor’s note: See related letter to the editor on page 8.