FAYETTEVILLE -- The library expansion and remodel could happen one of three ways, board members heard Monday.
Executive Director David Johnson presented different scenarios in which the library would juggle programs and services with construction work. The board took no action but will discuss the matter again during its October meeting.
Next meeting
When: 4 p.m. Oct. 15
Where: Ann Henry Board Room, Fayetteville Public Library, 401 W. Mountain St.
The recommended method, Johnson explained, would keep the library open the whole time while work is going on. The plan would involve swing spaces. Crews would move sections to different parts of the existing building as renovation happens, he said.
Areas near the planned 82,500-square-foot expansion would be cordoned off, Johnson said. Dust and noise would be contained with precautions taken to ensure patrons don't go into the work areas, he said.
"It will require us to be hypervigilant," Johnson said. "That will be a challenge of every single staff member here."
Jack Poling, lead architect on the project, said the method would help keep everything on budget.
"It will be a lot of work," he said. "A huge difference is that you have a staff there who's very, very good at running that building, which is highly unusual."
The library will nearly double in size after city voters in August 2016 approved a millage increase to pay for construction and operation. A $26.9 million bond issue will support the $49.3 million project budget, with the rest being raised by the library's foundation.
A second option would also have expansion and renovation work going on at the same time, but the library would move to a smaller, temporary space. Johnson said staff had worked out different scenarios, with a minimum of 10,000 square feet likely needed.
Those two options each would have construction last 18 months, Poling said. However, costs associated with moving would be higher than staying, he said.
A third option would have expansion and renovation work done in separate phases at a higher cost and longer construction time, Poling said.
Board Chairwoman Janine Parry asked for some cost and time scenarios from staff on the different options so the board could make a decision by its next meeting.
Board member Maylon Rice said he wanted to make sure crews don't get months into the project only to have everyone wish they had taken a different route. He asked for a member of the team from Crossland Construction, the hired contractor for the project, to attend the next board meeting.
"I just want to make sure we're making the right choice for our patrons at this library," Rice said.
The expanded and renovated library is set to open in fall 2020.
NW News on 09/18/2018