Jerold Kappel News Today

Construction could begin next month and the hall could open by 2026.

Construction on the lecture hall, which will cost an estimated $23.5 million overall, is expected to begin this spring for completion in winter 2025. The Newport Beach Public Library Foundation is expected to split its costs with the city.

In the last few days, though, at least 200 emails have flooded City Hall, with more residents questioning the new price tag and the city's contribution than supporting the project.

This is the second time the project has gone out to bid, and total estimated costs have risen. Initial talks for a library lecture hall date back to 2017.

The cost has grown to $19.3 million from initial estimates a couple of years ago.

The Newport Beach City Council and the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation signed a memorandum in December 2021, stating that the two entities would share the cost of Witte Hall. But the lowest bid to build the project came in more than $3 million above projections.

The Newport Beach City Council approved the name Witte Hall on Tuesday night. The project is expected to be completed by 2024.