Pasadena City Council Approves Central Library Seismic Retrofit Phase 2

PASADENA, CA - The Pasadena City Council approved Phase 2 of the Pasadena Central Library Retrofit and Renovations Project at City Council's regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, March 2, 2026. The amended contract with PCL Construction Services, Inc. has a revised total contract amount not to exceed $186,186,155 and includes a 10% local economic impact commitment. The 10% goal shall be measured across all phases of construction and may be satisfied through a combination of wages paid to eligible local residents, expenditures with Pasadena-based suppliers and vendors, and payments made to local subcontractors and trade partners. Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2026, with completion in 2028. For information about local hiring opportunities or about supplying materials or services for this construction project, please contact Matt Leavitt, Project Manager, at [email protected] or (602) 377-7001.

In November 2024, Pasadena voters approved Measure PL, authorizing $195 million in bond funding to support the seismic retrofit and renovation of Central Library. City Council contracted with Gruen Associates who led the design phase, with guidance from a historic preservation consultant and technical oversight by a Mayor-appointed Technical Oversight Committee.

To ensure efficient, collaborative project delivery, the City is using the Construction Manager At- Risk (CMAR) method. This approach enables early involvement of a qualified construction manager/general contractor during the design phase, improving coordination, mitigating risk, and establishing a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for construction.

The City Council selected PCL Construction Services, Inc. on July 21, 2025, awarding them the Phase 1 (preconstruction) and Phase 1A (selective demolition) contract for the initial phase of the project. PCL completed Phase 1 in close coordination with City staff, the project design team, and the Mayor-appointed Technical Oversight Committee. Together, these efforts significantly reduced construction uncertainty, refined project scope and sequencing, and informed development of a negotiated Phase 2 GMP and construction schedule.

Phase 2 construction activities will include seismic retrofit work, structural improvements, replacement of building systems, restoration of historic architectural elements and improved accessibility. Phase 2 GMP also establishes a not-to-exceed cost for construction based on validated scope, informed risk allocation, and current market conditions. The GMP and Phase 2 contract amendment allow the project to transition into full construction with defined cost and schedule parameters, enhanced financial accountability, and continued oversight consistent with the CMAR delivery method and the Measure PL bond program.

About Pasadena Central Library

The Pasadena Central Library, an iconic 1927 structure designed by renowned architect Myron Hunt, is a cornerstone of the City's historic Civic Center and an essential hub for learning, research, and community engagement. As the main repository for rare collections, specialized reference tools, and large-scale public programming, the Central Library serves over 1,000 daily visitors and supports nearly 900 annual community meetings and events. Its closure in 2021 due to seismic safety concerns stemming from unreinforced masonry construction has significantly disrupted access to vital services and cultural programming.

To learn more about the Pasadena Central Library Retrofit and Building Repairs Project, visit
CityOfPasadena.net/Library/Central-Library-Earthquake-Retrofit/.