Williamsburg City Council unanimously approved the second step in building a new downtown library, awarding a $1.1 million contract for design work that would set a maximum cost for the project.
Two days earlier, James City County approved a construction start for its new government complex, which includes a library annex 3.5 miles from the city library on Scotland Street.
The contract with Hourigan Construction Corp. requires it to create construction drawings that are 35% complete -- enough for the company to offer a binding maximum price estimate for the building. Hourigan’s initial estimate for the new library was $26.1 million.
“This in no way commits us to actually constructing,” said City Manager Andrew Trivette, adding “we’ll have to come back with that new pricing and the council will have the opportunity to decide then whether you’re going to proceed.”
Vice Mayor W. Pat Dent said that while $1 million was a significant su…