We hope you’re having a joy-filled holiday season so far.
New Library Project Update
WE HAVE A WINNER! Congratulations to Alten Construction and Noll & Tam.
As we wrap up another year in our campaign for a new Larkspur Library at The Commons, we’re thrilled to share that Alten Construction, Inc. (ACI), in partnership with Noll & Tam Architects, was chosen to design and build the new library. The announcement was made during the December 13 Larkspur City Council meeting.
Among the three finalists, ACI’s submission was recognized by the Request for Proposal (RFP) scoring team as the best value proposal. City Manager Dan Schwarz is now authorized to negotiate final terms with ACI for a design-build contract, which will later be presented to the City Council for approval, including necessary budget amendments.
ACI and the Noll & Tam team have submitted sketches of a proposed building, but these are not necessarily final representations of the architecture. Per the specifications of the RFP, the sum for the design-build of the library and community space is $12,765,000. Construction of the new library will begin in 2024 and must be completed by the end of 2025.
Since 1995, Robert (Bob) Alten’s company has constructed and modernized over 100 facilities across the San Francisco Bay Area, including K-12 public schools, universities, community colleges, city halls, courtrooms, and libraries.
You can read more about the city’s selection process on their website: https://cityoflarkspur.org/DocumentCenter/View/18615/82-Award-Alten-Design-Build-Contract
We very much look forward to the next phase in the building of the new library and will keep you updated as it unfolds.
Donor Highlight: Elda Phillips Memorial Gift
TCF recently received memorial gifts toward the new library in memory of Elda Phillips. Elda’s daughter, Laurie Dubin, kindly provided the photo and some interesting background information about her late mother’s passion for reading:
Elda Maria Phillips’ love of reading and public libraries was lifelong: from perfecting her English through books checked out from New York City libraries after emigrating to the US from Havana, Cuba at age 13, to serving on the Board of the Washington, D.C. Public Library System after years of teaching Spanish literature at the university level.
With three children and eight grandchildren all living in Larkspur, Elda moved to Marin County with her husband Richard in 2000. The Commons Foundation mission to raise funds to build a new Larkspur Library couldn’t be a more perfect way to honor Elda’s memory. Elda passed away this past July, just two weeks shy of her 90th birthday.
Making a Difference with a Memorial Gift and Estate Gifts
If you are passionate about supporting vital community resources like our new public library and wish to honor someone who has passed with a memorial gift, please consider The Commons Foundation.
Likewise, if you would like to continue to support the new library beyond your lifetime, please consider making a gift to TCF in your estate plans through your will or trust. Kindly contact us at admin@thecommonsatlarkspur.org if you would like additional information. Thank you.
Piper Park Holiday Lights: TCF Shines Bright for the Community
On Friday, December 22, the TCF team offered the community another opportunity to enjoy the lights at Piper Park with hot chocolate, whipped cream, marshmallows, and chocolates. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello and share in the good cheer.
Make Your Year-End Tax-Deductible Gift
With 2023 drawing to a close, now is a good time to make your year-end tax-deductible gift toward the new library and community space.
We aim to create an attractive sustainable landscape and outdoor public meeting and seating areas that will enhance the overall experience of everyone who comes to the new library. Your contribution will directly support the creation of a vibrant, sustainable outdoor space that will provide a welcoming environment for all.
To donate, please visit our donation page. There are several ways to donate to TCF, including:
- Submitting a PayPal payment or making a one-time gift with your credit card online (without signing into PayPal)
- Writing a check and mailing it to The Commons Foundation, Post Office Box 846, Larkspur, CA 94977 (Should be dated and posted by 12/31/23 for 2023 tax benefits.)
- Donating through your Donor Advised Fund
Please contact admin@thecommonsatlarkspur.org if you have questions. Donations are tax-deductible, and you will receive a gift acknowledgement by mail for tax purposes. Thank you in advance for your support for this vital community asset.
The Commons Foundation team wishes you a happy New Year and all the best in 2024!
Ann Morrison
President, The Commons Foundation