Members of the community who have passed by the library project construction site lately may have spotted what appear to be metal spikes or frames where the addition will stand. This is reinforcing steel (or “rebar”) that will strengthen and provide reinforcement for the structure. With the new footings in place, the project’s general contractor, Five Star Building Corp., has begun to pour the final concrete walls for the library addition. Framing for the library addition’s second level will follow.
The latest project schedule provided to the Library Building Committee shows completion by May 1, 2018.
“The foundation re-work caused a significant delay in the schedule,” said Chris Kenney, Library Trustee and a member of the Library Building Committee. “Now that the walls have been poured, we should expect to see real progress with second floor framing in the coming weeks.”
Once completed, the library addition’s lower level will house a community hall and gallery, as well as adjacent conference rooms. Upstairs, this new space will include a dedicated children’s room and a new “tree house” program room designed to draw in natural light and create a sense of open environment.
Beyond framing of the library addition, community members may notice work beginning on new exterior pathways around the library, creating new connections with parking and the town campus.
Inside the library, Five Star Building Corp. has set up an on-site office and is working to replace the building’s outdated electric and HVAC with state-of-the-art systems. Installation of the new fire alarm system and wiring for interior lighting fixtures is in progress, and picture windows in the existing portion of the building are being replaced with new windows. The talented interiors committee of the Library Building Committee has collaborated to ensure a great selection of color, furniture and flooring for the renovated space.
During construction, the Sherborn Library will remain in its temporary home across Sanger Street at the Sherborn Community Center. There, the staff continues to work hard, keeping the library running without interruption and offering a wide range of programming for patrons.
It is estimated that the library will be ready to re-open in May 2018.
For more information about the renovation project, to view renderings and project FAQs, and to review minutes from the Library Building Committee and Trustee meetings, visit the library website at library.sherbornma.org. Project updates may also be found at www.sherbornma.org.
