Hartford Public Library - Barbour Branch

The Hartford Public Library Barbour Branch project involves the construction of a new 16,000 square foot state-of-the-art library at 234 Barbour Street, Hartford, Connecticut. This permanent facility will replace a leased space and will feature a children's room, teen lounge, computer area, technology lab, Makerspace, NextGen adult learning center, food pantry, community room, and a roof patio. The scope of work includes environmental soil remediation and driven pile work, with various bid packages covering sitework, concrete, masonry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and interior finishes. The project is supported by 7 million dollars in state funding and is managed by Downes Construction Company, LLC. Bids are due by 2:00 PM on October 15, 2026, and will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder based on skill, ability, and integrity. Mandatory requirements include compliance with a Project Labor Agreement and Connecticut prevailing wage rates. Bidders for specific packages must be certified through the State of Connecticut Supplier Diversity Program, with established spending goals of 25 percent for Small Business Enterprises and 6.25 percent for Minority Business Enterprises. Additionally, any bid exceeding 1 million dollars must be accompanied by a Department of Administrative Services prequalification certificate. Bid security of at least 10 percent is required, and the successful contractor must provide performance, labor, and material payment bonds for 100 percent of the contract sum.