Construction on the new library site is definitely looking more vertical this week. Five truckloads of steel and roofing and floor joists were unloaded on the secondary site which is the east side of Hobble Creek. Loads have been broken down and are being moved to the west to sequence in the construction project. A crane arrived on Tuesday and has been assisting in setting columns and beams. This work begins on the east side of the project.

Elevator shafts have topped out at 32 ft., heating and cooling ducts are under slab and work with under slab electric cable lines continues. Main Street curb and gutter work is 80% complete. The sidewalk along Main has been removed to allow future forklifts to bring in needed brick and stone for the exterior. Deck on basement is complete. The building perimeter concrete is now fully visible.

For all those who have been asking, the library is scheduled to be completed in July 2011.

October 1, 2010

The library site is looking very different this week. Concrete walls and basement flooring are complete, waterproofing of that area is finished, and the area has been backfilled. This allows for more maneuverability on site, more workers, and so more progress.

B.D. Jones has completed demolition of the buildings on Main and 1st South. This eliminates the need for a vehicle bridge to span Hobble for previously needed parking. Patrons will now have parking and walking access to the building without having to cross the water. This change also affords a higher profile seen from the south.

Spot footings are poured, east and north storm drains are in, under slab plumbing is going in, under slab floor ducts have been set, and elevator shafts are up to six feet. If you walk around the perimeter fence you can see the outline of the building footprint and imagine the increased visibility of the new library. The Art Museum may no longer get visitors stopping by thinking the museum must be where the library is too.

Behind the scenes, exterior masonry and stone have been evaluated and ordered, landscape modifications have been made since there is no longer a need for a traffic bridge, electrical plans are being reviewed, and librarians are working with the architect and interior designer on shelving, millwork, bathrooms, floorings and fixtures.

I’ve been asked to include a site plan that shows the landscaping around the building. The attached drawing shows the building, parking, and landscape on the west side of the creek. The city has purchased property on the east side of Hobble Creek, adjacent to the credit union which, at this point, will have grass and sprinklers with an option for a future park.