The expanded and renovated Bethel Public Library has become a centerpiece of this quintessential New England town. JCJ was hired in 2003 and remained involved with the project until its final phase was completed in 2011. JCJ assisted the owner in developing a budget that would be supported by the Town and developing an appropriate plan for phased implementation.
Part of the success of this phasing was the ability to retain the State Library’s grant of five hundred thousand dollars and the ability to provide the town with an easily expanded library once the funds were available. Construction of the first phase was completed in 2003 and only occupied the main floor of a two story addition. The library rehired JCJ again in 2007 to re-evaluate needs and provide a plan for the upper floor fit out, as well as the much overdue historic renovations to the Seelye House. JCJ assisted the library to prepare and receive successful grants from both the CT State Library and the CT Historic Trust.