Special Edition – Exterior Kickoff

WHAT’S HAPPENING
On Monday, August 20, 2007, the Central Library begins another phase of renovation Thomco Construction has been awarded a contract to provide ADA accessibility from the parking lot and a new entrance with concrete ramps and walkways. The refurbishment of the exterior will also include a new entrance canopy, exterior painting, landscaping and irrigation upgrades. The upgrade will reflect the original design of the building include colors and plants that complement the original design. This work will take place while ACI Construction is completing the Children’s/window renovation.

How Will The Work Be Done?
The first phases of the exterior renovation construction will be: 1) the abatement of lead based paint in the entrance canopy 2) The removal of the existing canopy structure 3) The building of temporary access to our front entrance from the parking lot via the sidewalk and a tunnel. After the abatement and demolition, most of the work will involve pouring concrete, setting steel beams, replacing irrigation and landscaping. The final work will include reconfiguring the handicapped spaces in the parking lot, painting and signage.

When Will This Work Be Done?
The initial parts of this process require that crews work undisturbed at the main entrance. The abatement, inspection and removal of the lead based paint in the canopy should take about 3 days. For increased safety and minimal public/staff impact, the abatement process will be done at night from 9:15 pm to 5 am. This work is scheduled for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, August 20 through August 23). The next step is the demolition of the existing canopy. Because this is a large structure to dismantle, the Central Library will be closed to the public on Thursday, August 23. Construction is generally scheduled for weekdays from 6 am to 3:00 pm. This exterior renovation is expected to be completed by November 20.

What’s Next?
A second Tuesday Construction Project Team meeting will be held at 11 a.m. to discuss the weekly work on the exterior with Thomco. This will include a proposed 3 week work schedule. The type of work to be scheduled will determine if the Central Library will need to adjust hours. That work will be coordinated with the completion of the Children’s Room at a 1 pm weekly meeting. A Hard Hat Gazette or email alert will be sent to Central Staff with updated information each week.

AUG. 8th Edition

PACE PICKING UP
With the electrical and HVAC elements finally getting into place, the furniture and flooring elements will soon transform the look of the renovation space. Ceiling tiles, sound insulation and the terrazzo tiling are underway this week, with carpet and linoleum set for installation next week. The concrete work has been finished in the basement, so items can now be shifted back and the affected areas cleaned up. The 2nd floor corner window alcove will soon get a painting touchup and some ceiling tile and carpet patching and then finally be ready for public use of the “corner with a view.”

ANIMAL INVASION
Wild animals are on the way! Within the next week the display animals for the savannah theme will be arriving, along with corresponding background scenery. Furniture, fixtures and equipment are following close behind. The target completion date of late September is still expected to be met.

INSIDE OUT MEETING
The exterior phase of the renovation by Thomco Construction is to begin shortly, with about a month of overlap with the ongoing interior phase by Angeles Contractor, Inc. On Tuesday, August 7th, there was a meeting with all involved parties for coordination of activities during that overlap period. One of the coordinated activities during the month will involve the exterior tile. Thomco will be removing the current canopy at the entrance, and then both Thomco and ACI will be using tile pieces for repairs in both old and new renovation locations.

NEW PROJECT MANAGER
A new project manager will be taking over the duties currently being handled by Paul Chelminiak, who is leaving RDK Consulting for a new position. Fortunately, his RDK replacement will be Tom Clark, who has already worked with Anaheim staff previously on the Haskett project. The exterior phase is set to begin on August 20 and last 90 calendar days. Completion is expected to be November 20th. Another meeting next week with the exterior contractor will help clarify how this next phase will proceed and how the staff and public will be affected. Noise issues and patron/staff access will be at the top of the list for discussion.

NEW PHASE….NEW CHALLENGES
The first meeting for the Exterior construction next week should include a review of the construction schedule. The project includes several pieces that could impact the Central library’s hours of operation:
1) The removal and abatement of lead based paint on the entrance canopy
2) The installation of an alternate customer entrance at the front protected from the construction
3) The demolition of the existing canopy
4) The installation of a new canopy
5) The reconfiguration of part of the library parking lot for new landscaping and handicapped parking

The contractor has been informed that advanced notice is critical to staff and patrons if the library has to be closed to accommodate construction. The major noise/dust will be along the north perimeter of the building bordering circulation and the new Children’s area. The construction hours for the exterior phase will be 6:30 to 3.

The wonderful coordination between the project team and staff, a determined positive outlook, and amazing instant flexibility during the 1st phase of construction has resulted in continued excellent customer service and a project on time and on budget. I thank each of you and ask that you continue all of the above as we begin our next phase of construction.