Here is the latest library news from John Gillum:
North Village Branch Library Replacement Project: The construction site for the new North Village Branch Library continues to be a veritable beehive of activities these days. Exterior stucco and interior plaster work are ongoing, while the roofing sub-contractor is in the process of completing the final roof panel installation and preparing to start installation of the exterior metal wall panels. The irregular surface of the Durisol block wall has admittedly complicated the flashing of windows and is expected to be a factor in the installation of the metal wall panels as well, but the design team is working closely with the contractors to mitigate the effects of this challenge on the project schedule. Meanwhile, the interior metal framing and installation of wood blocking to support book shelving is underway, as is the installation of the spiral mechanical duct.
The electrical rough-in at the building interior remains in progress, but the site light pole bases and the ICF walls at the east mechanical yard have been erected and poured out. Regrettably, the contractor’s job superintendent for this project was lost last week to another employment opportunity, but hopefully, an equally qualified replacement will be found in a timely manner. On Thursday, July 24, 2008, the Austin City Council will be asked to authorize the award and execution of a contract for the purchase of library shelving for the new North Village Branch in an amount not to exceed $75,495. The necessary funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2007-2008 Capital Budget of the Library Department. At the present time, it is believed that the established opening date of January 24, 2009 for the new North Village Branch Library remains possible to meet.
