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Renovation News
Library Renovation Facts
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Project Name: Main Library 2nd floor and
central stairway renovation.
Project Timeline:
starts June 2009;
completed November 2009
Project Architect:
Tilton, Kelly + Bell;
Martha Bell, principal; Mike Carney, architectural support
Project General Contractor:
Construction
Solutions of Illinois
Project History:
During the summer of
2008 the library conducted an online survey and multiple in-person focus
group meetings seeking input from the Public, Staff and Trustees to
determine how the space in the Main Library might better meet the needs of
patrons. Comments were gathered and studied to determine the most
frequently-named potential improvements. These potential improvements were
presented to the architect who created proposed redesign of library spaces
seeking to incorporate the most frequently-named suggestions.
In November of 2008 the Library Board of
Trustees determined that renovation of the 2nd floor, widening of the
central stairway and removal of some small rooms in the 1st floor
Audio-Visual room would address a majority of items on the suggested
improvement list while also staying in line with the funds available to
conduct the renovation. The design was developed and the renovation bid out
during the spring of 2009. Renovation began on June 23, 2009 with
back-of-house areas being addressed first.
The first phase covered
about 7 weeks with renovation activities apparent to the public in early
August 2009. The certificate of substantial completion was issued near the
end of November 2009.
Project Scope:
Repurposing of existing
space which includes:
 Net gain of 5,000 square feet for public use recaptured from space currently
used
by staff
Consolidation of multiple staff workrooms
Creation of a 16-station computer instruction lab replacing an existing
8-person
lab Computers in the new lab will be available for general
use by patrons when not in use for instruction or training
Creation of 3 additional group study rooms bringing the total number of
study
rooms to 5
Addition of a small vending and seating area
Reworking of the quiet study room for more effective space use
Reconstruction of the central stairway to widen the stair tread and open up
the
stairwell for improved traffic flow
Removal of some small, unused, enclosed rooms in the Audio Visual area thereby
opening up space in the room and allowing more light
to enter
Some additional seating to increase options for patrons
Project Budget:
$880,000.00
Project Funding Source: The project was
funded from the Library’s Special Reserve Fund. The fund was
established in 1999 as a means to provide financing for the upkeep and
maintenance of the library buildings and grounds. The reserve fund plan
includes cyclical repair and/or replacement of mechanical equipment,
roofing, lighting and structural elements as would be required for any
facility over time. This project does not impact the tax levy as funds were
already set aside for renovation and refurbishment as needed within the
reserve fund plan.
Susan Strunk,
Library Director
Palatine Public Library District
December 1, 2009
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