1st Floor Renovation Central

The first floor renovations have entered the third phase of construction and finishing. We are still anticipating that the program will be substantially complete by May 21.

Most of the dry wall has been installed, taped mudded and prepared for paint. The new ceiling treatments, dry wall bulkheads and suspended ceiling tile system are nearing completion. Lighting fixtures in the new ceilings will begin installation this week. Fire alarm systems have been upgraded and are to be installed week of April 13.

There is a great deal of activity to follow in the next couple of weeks, painting, floor resurfacing and installation of floor finishes. Because of the high activity the work is being staged from 105 where Bibliographic services will be, then to 106 Mono Acquisitions and then onto 108 Serials and binding. The staff lunch room and kitchen are being used as staging areas right now but most of the work there is complete as well.  The training room is being prepared as well but may be one of the last areas to be completed as the contractor needs room to store all the new fittings and parts.

The wall systems for offices and the board room are being crafted and will arrive on site April 28 at 9:30 am. The larger pieces will have to enter the library through the book return  in Central Square, the Scott elevator is not deep enough for the 12 foot sections that are part of the floor to ceiling walls.

Network wiring will be run throughout the floor starting April 13, wiring for door access systems is also being strung at the same time.

In the Maps Library the new walls between the new staff area and Maps was unveiled last week. Shelving on the new walls was  installed April 8th and ready to load immediately. Map Library staff will be reshelving the monographs soon. That will open up a large area of the seating area in Maps that is being used to hold collections displaced by the renovations.

You can explore the renovation site virtually. A video walk through is available by clicking the following link Video Tour April 7. We’ll update a video walk through once the ceilings and floor finishes are installed.