Hard Hat News -- October 9, 2006

October 9, 2006

Renovation Update

The complete renovation of Central Library is planned in phases. Phase One focuses on expanding the Children’s Room, but also includes the removal of asbestos in the construction area, the purchase and installation of a new chiller and installation of windows on the 1^st and 2^nd floors at the northeast corner of the building. Also included in Phase One is a construction bid for the exterior redesign which will feature an ADA-accessible entrance and parking.

“There’ll be some changes made”

Testing confirmed that there was minimal asbestos on the first floor—NONE in the flooring or mastic and a minimal amount in the walls that will be demolished. That’s good news!

However, the estimated costs of the project are more than the current budget allows, so the exterior redesign will be minimized to reduce costs. The redesign will limit the renovation to the entrance and maintain the historic 60’s look of the building.

Revised Timeline

Here is the plan “du jour”! Award the chiller contract in November; install in December/January. This should have minimal impact on library operations.

Award first construction bid for asbestos, Children’s and windows in January; start construction in February.

Award second construction bid for exterior in March; start construction in April.

Impact to Staff

The new timeline means that the relocation of materials to the second floor and from the Children’s Room will continue, but at a more leisurely pace. Rick can take a breath, and we’ll probably need less help from professional movers.

Also, the Children’s Room staff will not need to relocate to the second floor until Christmas break.