San Rafael's City Council voted 5-0 this week to approve a Phase 1 progressive design-build contract for a long-awaited new library and community center at Albert Park, a project city officials estimate will ultimately cost about $105 million. The contract covers design, engagement and permitting; construction is in Phase 2 and requires a later Guaranteed Maximum Price amendment and bond-financing authorization. The council also approved a project labor agreement the same night, locking in local-hire provisions before any ground is broken.
What the Council Approved
According to a city announcement, the council voted 5-0 at its November 2 meeting to approve a Phase 1 progressive design-build contract with XL Construction Corporation. The Marin Independent Journal reported the contract at $6.5 million, while a separate city meeting record described a Phase 1 authorization of $6,178,706 — the two figures were not reconciled in available city materials. The newspaper's report also named the contracted team as XL Construction Corp. and Skidmore, Owings and Merrill LLP, and said the approval includes a $5.39 million appropriation from the city's Measure P fund.
Notably, an earlier report from citizenportal.ai had described city staff recommending a team led by Excel Construction with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill ahead of the November 2 vote — a different spelling and framing than the XL Construction Corporation named in the city's post-vote announcement.
Why San Rafael Chose Progressive Design-Build
The city received proposals from eight qualified teams and narrowed the field to three finalists before selecting a team, per the Independent Journal's reporting. The city described a competitive process using evaluation factors to select the team. Under progressive design-build, the team works collaboratively through design before the city agrees to final project scope and price.
San Rafael's City Council agreed in April to pursue the progressive design-build approach, and the contract approved this week starts a process to develop a conceptual project design, with community comments expected over the next six months. City officials have said they expect the approach to save roughly six months compared with the traditional method. Edgar Lopez, design manager for the project team, said the project aims to create a civic, cultural and social hub for San Rafael.
A Labor Deal With Local-Hire Provisions
The council also approved a project labor agreement with local-hire provisions for San Rafael workers. State law requires local agencies using progressive design-build to ensure a skilled and trained workforce, and the city said the project labor agreement satisfies that requirement.
Councilmember Maribeth Bushey said she was confident in the project team, while Mayor Kate Colin said the project responds to requests the city has heard from the community.
What's Planned for Albert Park
The project will relocate San Rafael's library from its current building at 1100 E St. to Albert Park, where a new library and community center is planned on B Street. City planning documents describe a roughly 50,000-square-foot building alongside outdoor program space, with the structure set to include library services, flexible classroom spaces, multipurpose rooms, and cultural and community programming.
Funding traces back to Measure P, which San Rafael voters approved in 2024.
Timeline Ahead
Construction is targeted to begin in 2028.
