The 15,000-sf library is the first city services' building for the Cave Creek-Tatum Road area of North Phoenix. Linthicum beat three other general contractors for the job, Saloni Merchant, project manager, tells GlobeSt.com.

Linthicum got the contract through the "construction manager at risk" program, an option that's becoming increasingly popular instead of the traditional bid process. Under the program, the designer and general contractor start working together at an earlier stage. Then, the decision is made in a two-step process: a written proposal and short list interview.

Richard Bauer and Associates of Phoenix is the architect for the library. Construction begins in February or March 2003, with delivery planned for summer 2004.

The library will be the focal point to a 45-acre neighborhood park. Because of the project's proximity to nature, Merchant says the pre-construction team is considering several options to make the building "green" or environmentally friendly. The options include use of recycled concrete blocks that are self-insulating and energy efficient. The building design calls for deep overhangs and natural lighting.

Merchant says Linthicum is a veteran of library construction, often part of one of its many school projects. In 1994, the firm renovated and expanded the Scottsdale City Library from a 44,000-sf facility into 103,000 sf.