As construction of a new Given Memorial Library progresses, the Pinehurst Village Council is turning its attention to the future of the existing library building and the expansion of the Tufts Archives.
At a meeting held Tuesday, the Village Council reviewed updated figures from the FY 2026 Strategic Operating Plan, which allocates about $8.46 million for the combined library and archives project. With the new library’s construction bid and updated furnishings and contingency costs coming in roughly $500,000 below earlier estimates, the village now expects to spend about $5.96 million on the library portion. That leaves approximately $2.5 million for the renovation and expansion of the Tufts Archives.
Village Manager Doug Willardson said the remaining funds must cover architectural and engineering design, construction, and the buildout of a museum or visitor experience. He noted that while the current budget can support either of the two conceptual renovation options, neither estimate includes the cost of a full museum‑style exhibit installation.
“The Village is preparing to break ground on the new Given Memorial Library,” explained Willardson. “As Council has discussed, construction of the new library allows the existing Given Memorial Library and Tufts Archives building to be reconfigured so the Archives can expand into the space currently occupied by the library, while also addressing limitations in the Archives’ current footprint.”
Council members reviewed two design approaches prepared by Oakley Collier Architects. The first keeps the existing building footprint and focuses on reconfiguring interior space to improve archival storage, research areas, staff workspace, and public exhibits. The second option fills in two recessed areas of the building to add back‑of‑house space, such as offices, storage, and a break room. While the expansion adds square footage, it offers limited benefit to the visitor experience and comes with a significantly higher price tag.
A slide from Willardson’s presentation shows a proposed layout and costs. (Via Village of Pinehurst.)
Council members also discussed long‑standing issues in the building, including water intrusion in the basement and the need for ADA‑compliant access at the front entrance.
The village plans to coordinate with the Given Tufts Foundation on potential fundraising for exhibit enhancements and naming opportunities. A confidential feasibility study indicated that private support is possible, though the details were not disclosed publicly. The village would likely fund the core renovation work, with private donations used to enhance the museum experience.
“From a practical standpoint, staff’s working assumption is that the Village would fund the core building improvements within the established project budget,” writes Willardson in the discussion’s official memo. “Any funds raised through joint Village and Foundation efforts could then be used to enhance the Archives experience, allowing the project to range from a basic, functional museum to a more robust public history space.”
The plans aim to maintain the building’s historic exterior while modernizing the interior to create a more engaging destination for residents and visitors. They also agreed to seek professional guidance from museum‑experience consultants, including firms that have worked with the USGA, and to involve longtime archivist Audrey Moriarty in shaping the project’s direction.
The council expects to revisit the project in the coming months as design discussions progress.
Abegail Murphy | Assistant Editor
Article by Sandhills Sentinel Assistant Editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021.
Contributed photo.
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