Story Published: Feb 8, 2012 at 8:18 PM PDT
Story Updated: Feb 8, 2012 at 8:18 PM PDT
Originally the 50,000 square foot building remodel was estimated to cost $4.1 million. Project managers now estimate costs could drop by as much as $800,000 from last month. The decline in finances comes from less expensive structural elements. The demolition process marked the discovery of bearing walls, that may be used instead of the planned steel remodel.
"As the project becomes more defined, it is easier to get to what a more accurate cost estimate," said Lewiston Library Director Dawn Whittman. "The more of the structure that is exposed, that we can see, the more accurate the costs and estimates will be."
Whittman said the library is down more than $500,000. They knew they would be short this amount of money and estimates are right where they should be. $3.4 million is available for the reconstruction this spring. $1.23 million comes from the foundation and an additional $1 million came from the City of Lewiston.
