Architectural Nexus, a Salt Lake City-based firm, is in negotiations with Boise over a contract to develop a range of options for upgrading the Boise Library main branch.

Director Kevin Booe said he and Jade Riley, Mayor David Bieter's chief of staff, issued an "intent to award" letter Thursday to Architectural Nexus and its six competitors for the contract. Booe said the contract will take force after a seven-day waiting period and contract negotiations.

After that, the City Council must approve the contract.

In a best case scenario, he said, that would all happen by early March.

Architectural Nexus will calculate the costs and benefits of building a new main branch, expanding or renovating the existing one, and other options. The process of formulating options is expected to take three to four months. City officials say they expect to hold a series of public meetings to talk to and hear from Boiseans about which options they prefer.