Project on Track!

Staff have been very busy reviewing and recommending specialized consultants for the Georgetown Branch Project. Late last year, “Requests for Proposals” were issued for a Project Manager, Interior Designer and Capital Campaign Consultant for the Georgetown Branch Project. Interview teams were established, and firms short-listed, interviewed and evaluated. Interview teams recommended firms to the Georgetown Branch Planning Committee based on the established evaluation criteria. The Planning Committee endorsed the recommendations, and in February, the Library Board approved the recommended consultants for interior design services, project management services and the production of a capital campaign feasibility study.

The successful interior design firm is ZAS Interiors Inc. This firm has wide ranging experience and has demonstrated creative, innovative thinking in their designs. ZAS has won many design awards, and the lead designer, Ms. Elizabeth Marmiche has completed many well received public library projects. ZAS is currently designing Milton Public Library’s new Beaty Branch.

The successful project management firm is The MMM Group. MMM is a multi-national, multi-service firm and with support staff to assist if necessary, including Civil Engineers and LEED accredited professionals. The Designated Project Manager, Mr. Mahendra Shah, has a Master’s Degree in Architecture (1979) and a Project Management Professional Certification (1993). As an architect for over 35 years, Mr. Shah has a strong understanding of the design and construction process. He has also worked on a number of public library projects for Hamilton, including one very similar project which involved the purchase of the house next door and re-location to a temporary site. Mr. Shah has a reputation for bringing projects in on budget and on time.