Harris County Commissioners Court
CIP Investment Memo
Primary Department: County Library
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Edward Melton, Executive Director
Managing Department: County Engineer
Managing Department Head/Elected Official: Milton Rahman, PhD, P.E., PMP, CFM, County Engineer
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA Type of Request: Investment Memo
Investment Memo Type: Preliminary Investment Memo
Project Name: 2727 El Camino Library and Auditorium
Project ID (if applicable): TBD
Vendor Legal Name (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Current Achievement (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A - Not a grant item
Incremental Authorization Requested: $2,554,030
Total Estimated Project Cost: $14,500,000
Request Summary:
title
Request for approval of a Preliminary Investment Memo for the 2727 El Camino Library and Auditorium project for $2,554,030 and initial commercial paper funding in the amount of 2,555,000.
end
Project Description:
The proposed project at 2727 El Camino St 77054 involves demolishing the existing structure at this address and constructing a new 20,000-square-foot library and auditorium facility, including public safety facilities for use as an emergency shelter and other functions in disasters and crisis situations. This proposed project is referred to as “Option C” in this Preliminary Investment Memo and was borne out of a programming study (study) undertaken by Harris County in 2025 through Smith & Company Architects (consultant). The study identified three (3) potential options (A, B, & C) for
Revised 06.16.2025
this facility, with all three options predicated on the County determining to undertake a capital improvement project at the 2727 El Camino site. Option C was the consultant’s recommended alternative, as this option offers optimal design flexibility, eliminating structural limitations such as low ceilings and existing columns, and allows for a clearer separation between library and auditorium functions. The new construction improves usability, provides a larger auditorium, and reduces the risk of unforeseen conditions during renovation. The total requested budget is $14.5 million, and the project must be carefully coordinated to minimize disruptions to the active county campus. The final feasibility report was submitted on April 30, 2025, with construction timelines dependent on scope finalization and funding approval.
The purpose of this project is to construct a new 20,000 gross square foot (GSF) library and auditorium facility at 2727 El Camino, replacing the existing 18,000-square-foot structure that is no longer suitable for modern public use. The new building will be designed to current public safety, accessibility, and programming standards, enabling Harris County to better serve its residents through enhanced public library services, community engagement, educational programming, cultural events, and shelter from inclement weather or disasters.
To improve the facility’s resilience and ensure uninterrupted service during emergencies, the new design will incorporate a permanent backup generator capable of maintaining critical operations such as lighting, HVAC, security, and IT infrastructure. This feature aligns with Harris County’s public safety goals and supports the building’s potential use during crisis events or as a shelter for community continuity.
Key tasks in the scope include complete demolition, site preparation and abatement, and construction of a two-part structure: a library wing and an auditorium wing. The 8,485 GSF library will include reading areas for adults and youth, 20 public-use computers, library stacks, meeting rooms, restrooms, an innovation lab (700 NSF), and staff support spaces. The 6,000 NSF auditorium will feature 400 fixed seats, a raised stage (32x24 feet), control booth, backstage facilities, and a catering-capable kitchen.
All-new building systems will be installed, including MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), fire suppression, energy- efficient lighting, IT, CCTV/security, and wireless connectivity. The proposed site plan does not impact existing parking spaces, improves stormwater detention, and ensures full ADA compliance.
The project will impact approximately 15 full-time employees, including librarians, event coordinators, and AV specialists. Designed for operational flexibility and future adaptability, the open layouts and modern systems will reduce redundancy and improve efficiency.
Procurement for the project includes the purchase and installation of:
• 100 modular bookshelves
• 60 public chairs
• 30 staff workstations
• 2 conference/meeting room tables
• One operable 400-seat partition system for auditorium flexibility
• Stage lighting and audiovisual control systems
• CCTV/security systems
• Wireless access points
• Public-access computer terminals
The desired end state is a vibrant, accessible, and multipurpose public facility that supports educational equity, public safety, community resilience, and civic engagement. The completed project will significantly increase the capacity and quality of Harris County Public Library services, lower long-term maintenance costs, and provide a sustainable platform for public programming for years to come.
Anticipated Project Expenditures and Timeline:
|
Scope of Work |
Estimated Cost |
Estimated Completion |
|
Professional Fees |
$1,000,000 |
Q3FY26 |
|
Administrative Costs |
$104,030 |
Q3FY26 |
|
Contingencies |
$1,450,000 |
|
|
Total Ask for the Design Phase |
$2,554,030 |
|
|
Construction Costs (Building Only) - To be asked in the future memo |
$10,560,730 |
Q4FY27 |
|
Fixed Equipment - To be asked in the future memo |
$553,000 |
Q4FY27 |
|
FF&E - To be asked in the future memo |
$832,240 |
Q4FY27 |
|
Total |
$14,500,000 |
- |
Justification & Alternatives:
The 2727 El Camino project is essential to replace an outdated and functionally inadequate facility with a modern, code- compliant library and auditorium that meets current and future community needs. The existing building lacks sufficient ceiling height, natural light, ADA compliance, and updated mechanical systems, making it unsuitable for safe public assembly and efficient operations. Constructing a new 20,000-square-foot facility eliminates these limitations, enhances operational efficiency, and reduces long-term maintenance costs. It also supports equitable access to literacy, technology, and civic programming through a purpose-built space designed for flexibility and accessibility.
Importantly, the new facility will be equipped with a backup generator and emergency power infrastructure, enhancing public safety and enabling the site to function as a community cooling or warming center during extreme weather or power outages. This resiliency feature strengthens Harris County’s ability to support residents during emergencies, particularly vulnerable populations such as seniors, families with children, and individuals with medical dependencies. The project aligns with Harris County’s strategic priorities, including public safety, educational opportunity, economic inclusion, and infrastructure resilience. Success will be measured through increased library foot traffic, community use of the auditorium, and attendance at public programs and workshops. Additional metrics include utilization of public computers and the innovation lab, reduced utility and maintenance costs, and improved staff workflow and satisfaction. Patron and community satisfaction surveys will assess the facility’s comfort, functionality, and overall impact. The project will also track equity outcomes, such as demographic reach and accessibility compliance. Collectively, these performance measures will ensure accountability and demonstrate the project's long-term value to Harris County residents.
Option C, which involves demolishing the existing 18,000-square-foot facility and constructing a new 20,000 GSF library and auditorium, represents the most effective and forward-looking solution to the identified challenges. The existing structure suffers from significant physical and functional limitations, including an inadequate roof height for assembly uses, lack of natural light, outdated mechanical and electrical systems, no fire suppression, and structural constraints (e.g., tilt-wall construction and column placement) that severely limit redesign options. Renovation-based alternatives would require expensive retrofitting without eliminating these impediments, creating long-term inefficiencies and elevated lifecycle costs.
Two alternatives were considered:
• Option A (Adaptive Reuse): Convert the existing building into a library-only space. While cost-effective and fast, this option does not address roof height limitations, window placement issues, or design constraints posed by existing columns. It also forgoes the opportunity to create a dedicated public assembly space.
• Option B (Modified Reuse): Renovate the existing structure to accommodate both library and auditorium functions by raising the roof and modifying walls. This option introduces construction complexity, schedule delays, and cost uncertainty due to unknowns in the current structure, and ultimately provides less usable space than Option C.
Delaying the project by a year would result in increased construction and materials costs due to inflation, as well as the continued use of an inefficient, non-compliant building that does not meet the County’s programming or safety needs. Not proceeding at all would forfeit the opportunity to expand access to educational and civic resources, compromise long-term service delivery goals, and maintain a high-risk facility with code violations.
Stakeholders impacted by the project include:
• Harris County residents and library patrons, particularly families, students, and seniors who rely on library resources for education, connectivity, and community engagement. These residents will also benefit from enhanced public safety services during emergencies when the facility functions as a community resource center.
• Harris County Public Library staff, whose ability to deliver modern programming is limited by the current facility’s deficiencies.
• Community partners and event organizers, who will benefit from a dedicated auditorium space for meetings, lectures, and performances.
• Nearby public service departments, such as the adjacent Natatorium and Service Center, whose operations may be affected by construction phasing or shared site resources.
Stakeholder engagement will be ongoing and inclusive. Harris County Public Library and project managers will engage community members through public meetings, surveys, and feedback sessions to guide design priorities and service planning. Internal coordination will occur with Universal Services to evaluate technology infrastructure needs, and with Facilities & Property Maintenance to assess building systems and maintenance impacts prior to project approval. This collaborative, transparent approach ensures that all users and partners are considered and that the resulting facility meets both current needs and future demands.
Anticipated Impact on Other Funds (If Applicable):
|
Fund Code |
Description |
Estimated Cost |
Funding Method (Existing or Future Budget Request Required) |
Estimated Date of Needs |
|
1000 |
Staff/ Personnel |
$1,350,000 |
Future Budget Request |
FY27 or FY28 |
|
1000 |
Open Day Collection/ Materials |
$250,000 |
Future Budget Request |
FY27 or FY28 |
|
1000 |
General Supplies |
$10,000 |
Future Budget Request |
FY27 or FY28 |
|
Total |
|
$1,610,000 |
|
- |
County Strategic Plan Goal: 2. Connect our community with safe, reliable, equitably distributed, and well- maintained infrastructure.
County Strategic Plan Objective: H: Improve the condition and resilience of County transportation, flood control, and other infrastructure.
Justice/Safety Initiative (Goal 1): N/A
Infrastructure Initiative (Goal 2): H5: Improve broadband reliability and expand wireless access points.
Economy Initiative (Goal 3): K4: Expand adult literacy programs.
Health Initiative (Goal 4): N/A
Climate/Resilience Initiative (Goal 5): S3: Increase accessibility and reliability of County cooling and warming centers.
Housing Initiative (Goal 6): N/A
Decision Analysis Matrix Score (rubric on last page): 18
Previous Court Action:
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Date |
Agenda Item # |
Action Taken |
|
N/A |
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Address: 2727 El Camino
Precinct(s): Precinct 1
|
Fiscal and Personnel Summary |
|
Service Name |
2727 El Camino Library and Auditorium |
|
|
Current Fiscal Year Cost |
Annual Fiscal Cost |
|
|
Labor |
Non-Labor |
Total |
Recurring Expenses |
|
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Funding Sources |
|
Existing Budget |
|
Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
|
Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
|
Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
|
Total Current Budget |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
|
Additional Budget Request |
|
Commercial Paper |
$ |
$2,555,000 |
$2,555,000 |
$ |
|
Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
|
Choose an item. |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
|
Total Additional Budget Request |
$ |
$2,555,000 |
$2,555,000 |
$ |
|
Total Funding Request |
$ |
$2,555,000 |
$2,555,000 |
$ |
|
Personnel (Fill out section only if requesting new PCNs) |
|
Current Position Count for Service |
0 |
- |
- |
- |
|
Additional Positions Request |
|
- |
- |
- |
|
Total Personnel |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Anticipated Court Date: July 10, 2025
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date):
Legal funding compliance confirmed by: Paige Abernathy, Assistant County Attorney, 6/26/2025
Department Approval by: Edward Melton, Executive Director
OMB CIP Team Approval by: William McGuinness, Director-Capital Projects & Infrastructure, 6/26/2025
Commercial Paper Request (For OMB use only):
Receiving Department: County Engineer
Project PeopleSoft ID: TBD
CP Series Description: Commercial Paper Series D-2 can be used for (1) construction of public works, (2) the purchase of automobiles, equipment and machinery, including computers, materials and supplies for the operation of the County’s
precincts and departments (3) Professional services, including services provided by engineers, architects, attorneys, auditors, financial advisors, and fiscal agents, in connection with the contractual obligations described in (1) and (2).
Commercial Paper is being requested for the 2727 El Camino Library and Auditorium project and is expected to be repaid within the next three fiscal years either through bonds, budgetary means or pay-as-you-go sources.
Note: Commercial Paper is issued in increments of $5,000 and the excess is not available to be spent by the department.
OMB Financial Management contact: Amy Perez, Deputy Executive Director, Office of Management and Budget
Decision Analysis Matrix scoring tool - Commissioners Court has approved the rubric below for scoring capital projects. Please complete the last two rows for OMB review.
|
Scoring option |
Strategic Plan alignment (3x weighting) |
Evidence base |
Impact on outcomes |
Cost effectiveness |
Ease of implementation |
Collaboration / partnerships |
Environmental sustainability |
Equity |
Total |
|
-1 |
Antithetical to one or more aspects of the Strategic Plan |
Evidence shows net negative impact on the intended goal |
Impact is clearly negative |
Costs expected (or shown) to outweigh benefits |
County has no/limited existing capabilities and dependencies are likely to impede |
Could negatively impact relationships with partners |
Negatively impacts environment and/or climate change mitigation efforts |
Inequitable |
n/a |
|
0 |
Does not align to a Strategic Objective |
Evidence base is not well defined or measurable |
Size of impact on one or more strategic outcomes is negligible or unclear |
Net comparison is unclear |
County has no/limited existing capabilities or dependencies are likely to impede |
Does not involve collaboration with partners |
Net neutral impact on environment and/or climate change mitigation efforts |
Does not consider equity to a meaningful degree |
n/a |
|
1 |
Aligns to a Strategic Objective but not to a Strategic Initiative |
Limited evidence- based research on outcomes; may have qualitative/theoretic al support |
Outcomes are defined but without target levels and/or expected impact is moderate |
Moderate direct/indirect benefit relative to costs |
County has existing capability to implement or dependencies are unlikely to impede |
Moderately expands County leverage through collaboration with partner(s) |
Marginally positive impact on environment and/or climate change mitigation efforts |
Considers equity to a meaningful degree, but not comprehensively |
n/a |
|
2 |
Aligns to a Strategic Objective and a Strategic Initiative |
Outcomes are directly supported by evidence base or credible research supports anticipated outcomes |
Outcomes are clearly defined and include target levels; expected impact on outcomes is high |
Significant direct/indirect benefit relative to costs |
County has existing capability to implement and dependencies are unlikely to impede |
Significantly expands County leverage through collaboration with partner(s) |
Positively impacts environment and/or climate change mitigation efforts |
Considers equity meaningfully and comprehensively |
n/a |
|
Score (-1,0,1,2) |
6 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
18 |
|
Rationale |
The project aligns with multiple Strategic Initiatives, including Goals 2, |
It is supported by evidence-based needs assessments from the feasibility study identifying |
Anticipated impacts include increased public access to literacy, technology, and |
The project delivers a high return on investment through |
Harris County has the internal capability to manage construction, |
The project involves strong collaboration between HCPL, Precinct 1, |
Environmental impact is moderately positive, with updated energy |
The project fully integrates equity through ADA compliance, public technology access, |
n/a |
|
|
3, and 4 from the Harris County Strategic Plan. |
facility code violations, infrastructure limitations, and community programming gaps. |
events, supported by clear metrics and performance outcomes. |
reduced lifecycle costs and expanded public benefit. |
though implementation will involve significant coordination. |
Universal Services, Facilities & Property Maintenance, and the community. |
systems and stormwater detention, though not net-zero |
and targeted community programming. |
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