Date: Fri 01-Nov-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDREA

Quick Words:

Library-Booth-Tuthill

Full Text:

Architect Recommends Library Stay Closed Until Completion

Booth Library Board of Trustees held a special meeting October 28, after

receiving a letter from architect Bruce Tuthill recommending the library not

reopen until the entire expansion project is completed next May or June. After

considering the possibilities, board members postponed making a decision until

BTI Construction provides an estimate for both the cost and schedule

implications on two options.

After abatement of asbestos in the library building is completed, and

construction crews finish the heating, ventilation, air conditioning,

plumbing, electrical, and fire protection work, as well as drywall, the

original plan could be followed. This would involve moving all decontaminated

materials back into the library and opening it to the public. When the

addition is completed, the building would be closed again for painting and

interior finish.

The other option, which Mr Tuthill favors, is to keep the library closed after

abatement so that BTI can work in the existing building and addition

simultaneously, and not schedule work around the library.

During the meeting, the board approved the recommendation that a retaining

wall be immediately built on the right side of the driveway to prevent further

erosion of adjoining property.

Although the possibility exists of completely finishing the building and then

reopening it to the public, Mr Tuthill has not requested an estimate for this

from the contractor.

"From a construction point of view, the best solution is not to move back into

the building until the project is completed, however, this raises the question

of an official off-site location if the library is to remain open," wrote Mr

Tuthill in his letter to library trustee William Lavery. "Although the

previous attempt to find a space was unsuccessful, I suggest a second effort

be made to find space or consider closing or limiting library services until

the project is completed."