In the earliest planning meetings for the Kennett Library, optimism was in short supply. In fact, if you asked some board members back then, you’d have heard a sobering estimate: “There’s a 99% chance this project never happens.” It wasn’t pessimism—it was realism. Big dreams like these require funding, community alignment, innovative design, and meticulous execution. They rarely come easy.

But Kennett Square isn’t your average town, and EDiS isn’t your average builder. The Kennett Library had been a local landmark since 1894, and in its current building since 1961. But over the decades, its aging walls strained under the weight of community expectations. Residents dreamed of more—a vibrant space for education, technology, and community engagement. They imagined rooms filled not just with books, but with conversations, creativity, and connections. Yet, to many involved, achieving that vision felt dauntingly distant.

The early skepticism wasn’t entirely unfounded. The site itself presented formidable engineering challenges: a steep grade that demanded deep excavation, requiring precision and structural reinforcement down to 20 feet below ground. Compounding these technical difficulties was an even bigger question: Would the community truly rally around this ambitious vision? EDiS saw these challenges clearly—but we also saw a path forward. During pre-construction, with EDiS’ Value Management process, our estimating team found ways to decrease the “bricks and sticks” cost by nearly $1.7 million before the design was finalized.

We Build Solutions. Not Excuses.
Understanding the library’s urgent need to inspire community support, our AMP team transformed traditional fundraising events into immersive experiences. Virtual reality goggles put potential donors directly inside the future building long before any construction began. As one longtime community supporter said after seeing the library come to life virtually, “This changed everything—we finally believed it was possible.”
Step by step, from intricate excavation to the meticulous construction of the three-story building—including a 110-seat state-of-the-art lecture hall and a sweeping rooftop terrace—EDiS not only kept its promise but exceeded expectations. The project wasn’t merely completed; it was delivered nearly $1.7 million under the initial estimate, allowing the community to direct those funds toward further enriching library programming.

Promises Made. Promises Kept.
Today, what once seemed improbable stands as a proud reality. The Kennett Library & Resource Center has become a focal point of community life—buzzing with learning, discovery, and neighborly connection. It’s also a reminder to all of us about the power of perseverance. The library’s journey—from near-impossibility to beloved reality—embodies why EDiS builds. Because communities aren’t made of stone and steel, but of ideas and dreams. Our job is simply to bring them to life.

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