Minnesota’s Ramsey County selected Knutson Construction as part of the design-build team to update and expand the White Bear Lake library. Located at 4698 Clark Ave., the building is one of seven branch facilities in suburban Ramsey County. The Ramsey County Library Board, appointed by the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners, govern the library system.

Knutson is collaborating with Bentz Thompson Rietow (BTR) Architects on the $3.5 million project. Schematic design is underway. The library will close for construction, which is scheduled to begin in July. A grand re-opening is tentatively planned for February 2015.

“Ramsey County Library’s remodeling and expansion of the library in White Bear Lake opens the door to exciting design opportunities,” says Sandy Walsh, deputy director of the Ramsey County Library. “We are looking for a balance of function and delight, reflecting the unique character of the White Bear community.”

She continues, “We need a building that is warm and inviting to individuals of all ages, and to the groups that form and reform in the course of community life. We hope to meet our technology needs now and in the future, while maintaining a sense of comfort and tradition. We are confident that the team of Knutson Construction and BTR Architects can make our dreams a reality. We look forward to working with them to make it happen!”

Originally constructed in 1974, more than 150,000 people now visit the 12,772-square-foot building each year. Along with a 3,725-square-foot addition to accommodate more of its patrons, the library looks forward to a revitalized appearance and updates to its mechanical systems and bathrooms. Facility improvements will follow the State of Minnesota Sustainability Building 2030, as well as complying with current codes and accessibility standards.

Other key members of the White Bear Lake library’s design-build project team include Gausman & Moore as the mechanical and electrical engineers. They also have worked with BTR on past projects and with Knutson on the Garden View Medical Building and the University of Minnesota’s Mechanical & Engineering Building.

BTR and Knutson previously have worked together on the Minneapolis Community & Technical College parking ramp expansion, Julia A. Sears Residence Hall at Minnesota State University in Mankato, and the Minneapolis Convention Center parking ramp. BTR currently is working with Knutson on the St. Paul College Health & Science Alliance Center.

In addition, Knutson has contributed to dozens of public building renovations, learning centers and sustainable projects. Notable examples of previous library projects include Iowa City Library, Cedar Rapids Library, Meskwaki High School Media Center in Iowa, and Minneapolis Central Library.

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