Grafton Public Library

Construction Update #2

Posted on

The refinement of the floor plans was a focus for the architects and the Building Committee throughout the late fall and early winter as we met frequently to review the designs. As of this writing all of the major components of the plan have been set, while refinements will continue through the end of the Design Development phase in December. The major improvement was moving the main circulation stair to a more central location in line with the main (new) entrance.

The Massachusetts Historical Commission requires a photo documentation of the project.  Andy Deschenes began capturing many photographs of the existing building (interior and exterior) prior to demolition. These photographs will eventually be incorporated into an historic display in the new/renovated Library.

A search was completed for a temporary home for the library, with the vacant St. Andrews Church in North Grafton selected. The building is in good shape, will accommodate the majority of the Library collection and will provide enough space for the popular Children’s programming to continue. An agreement was reached with St. Andrews Church in North Grafton to use their facility for the Interim Library; a more detailed schedule will be developed but initially it looks like the Library will move in April of 2019.

The architect issued a draft schedule for the project with major milestones as follows:

  • Design Complete: End of March 2019
  • Bidding: March/April 2019
  • Library Move: early April 2019
  • Construction Start: May 1, 2019
  • Construction Complete: September 2020

In December and January, Library floor plans were reviewed collectively by the MA Board of Library Commissioners, the Committee and the architect in mid-December; some minor improvements continue to be made as typically happens during the design process. Additional meetings were held to discuss AV, IT and other technology requirements of the project.

A working session focused on the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) process was held; this is a certification program primarily for new buildings with a sustainability focus. The certification has several levels: Basic, Silver, Gold and Platinum. The goal for this project is Silver, given potential points that are awarded in different categories.

A bid package for movers experienced in Library relocations is being finalized and should go out in January. Meanwhile, the Library Director and Staff have been busy quantifying the library collection and accounting for everything in the Library that will have to move.

Review updated landscaping, schematics and elevations online at https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9C0FhTY9BRcS0RSTjMtWmRRdi1JM0pub1p0eGpyYjhWTmZv/view?usp=sharing.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *