Wake County Commissioners Approves Multi-Million Dollar Renovation and System Replacement for Holly Springs (NC) Library
Projects will modernize interiors, replace end-of-life equipment, and reopen the facility by the end of 2026
Raleigh, NC, Apr. 7, 2026 — Wake County Commissioners approved two coordinated projects affecting the Holly Springs Community Library during last night’s Commissioners’ meeting, with both items included as part of the consent agenda. The projects advance a planned renovation of the facility and the full replacement of aging building systems, and will be carried out on a shared timeline to minimize disruption to services.
The Holly Springs Community Library, which opened in 2006, shares its building at 300 W Ballentine Street with the Town of Holly Springs Cultural Center and serves residents across southwest Wake County. The approved work focuses on both interior upgrades and the replacement of critical mechanical systems that have reached the end of their useful life.
The larger of the two efforts is a $2.1 million construction contract awarded to Harrod & Associates Constructors, Inc. for renovation of the library and shared lobby spaces. The project includes updates to flooring, interiors, and furniture, along with broader finish improvements and space reconfiguration intended to enhance the patron experience and improve staff workflow.
Plans call for the addition of a dedicated program space and a new staff workspace, as well as relocation of the circulation desk to the front of the library to improve visibility and access. Lighting upgrades are planned for the study areas, and a new unisex, ADA-compliant restroom will be added to the shared lobby. The renovation also includes roof replacement for both the library and the Cultural Center, installation of new security cameras, and the incorporation of public art in accordance with Wake County policy.
Running in parallel is an $866,500 mechanical equipment replacement project awarded to Hockaday Mechanical Corporation. This work will replace major systems serving the building, including air handling units, a chiller, pumps, and components of the building management system. County documents state that much of the existing equipment has reached the end of its useful life, necessitating full replacement rather than repair.
County staff aligned the timing of the mechanical replacement with the renovation project so both efforts can be completed simultaneously. This approach is intended to avoid multiple library closures and reduce overall disruption while improving construction efficiency.
The library is expected to close in late April 2026 in preparation for construction. Work is scheduled to be substantially complete by October 2026, with the facility expected to reopen to the public by the end of the year. During construction, the Cultural Center, which shares the building and is operated by the Town of Holly Springs, will remain open. Temporary cooling equipment will be used as needed to support continued operations in that portion of the facility.
From a funding perspective, the renovation project carries a total development cost of approximately $3 million, including professional services, furnishings, and contingency, while the mechanical replacement project totals approximately $1.1 million. Both projects are funded through Wake County’s Capital Improvement Program. Because the building is jointly used, the Town of Holly Springs will reimburse the County for portions of the work related to shared components, including elements of the lobby, roof, and certain mechanical systems.