By Allison Musante, Staff Writer
PLAINSBORO The Township Committee expects to see finalized design plans next month for the conversion of the former library complex into a cultural and recreation center.
The design documents and bid specifications have been finalized and will go before the committee in February, Township Administrator Bob Sheehan said.
”If the committee gives its approval, we would begin getting bids for construction and the process would begin immediately,” he said.
Mr. Sheehan said it’s too early to set a timetable for the project, except that construction should begin in the spring, with a rough completion date of early 2012. In April, Nicholas Duca, of Duca/Huder & Kumlin Architects in Moorestown, presented design plans for the library’s exterior and interior renovations. According to the plans, the new center will accommodate a kitchen area for cooking classes, computer training rooms, a craft and painting room, meeting rooms, and a large central space to seat up to 220 people for lectures and other programs, such as art displays and concerts.
Mr. Sheehan said the current estimate for construction is $4.5 million, which will also be presented to the committee with the design documents.
”But much of that money has to do with repairs to the building,” he said. “The building will require a new roof, parts of the external structure need to be replaced because of leakage. We’ll spend more money on the fundamental structural issues than in making the relatively modest changes to the interior.”
Renovations to the 19,200-square foot structure would include replacement of the walls, lighting, ceilings, heating and air conditioning units, as well as modifications to storm drainage units.
He said the township is financing the project through a bond over 20 years. The township received a $75,000 donation from Novo Nordisk, a global healthcare firm, which “will be put to good use,” Mr. Sheehan said. No other corporate sponsorships or donations have been received, he said.
Last July, the committee passed a $6.5 million bond ordinance for renovations to the library, road improvements, and equipment for the public works department. Of the total, about $3.5 million was earmarked for the renovations.
The new library opened in April last year on Van Doren Street in Plainsboro Village.

