Things are moving along now...

This week's update is being done from the road - we are at a joint Washington/Oregon Library Association Conference in Vancouver. We are learning lots of interesting things to bring back with us. Fletcher, Farr, Ayotte (the RPL architects) are one of the conference sponsors, so we had a chance to chat with Troy, one of the architects working on the new library today. He tells us things are progressing nicely and we took the opportunity to point out some cool stuff we'd like to see in the new library! So, we'll get back to the conference and leave you with a breakdown of what's happening on the building.

Lisa & Theresa

Now, here's what the boss told us to say!

We have concluded the demolition phase of the expansion/renovation and are moving into real construction. The deep plumbing is complete (the branch lines will be added later) and the duct work in the “old” part of the building has been replaced. Inside, the framing of interior walls in that portion of the building has begun. The piles for the upright support structures are complete as well. The most exciting part right now is to watch the elevator tower forms go higher and higher. The first lift for the towers will be poured the week of April 21. Soon, too, the scaffolding that will surround the new construction will be growing to 32 feet.
The project is going well and we are on time and on budget. Our squirrels have temporarily abandoned the site as well as our mallards but we have every confidence that they will return when some of the noise and dust abates.

Please drive by the site. We are about to start the time when there will be visible change every day. We continue to receive great support from the other city departments that approve and inspect and maintain city properties. We also feel fortunate to be working with Chervenell Construction. They are real partners in our mission to build an excellent Library and to do it in a financially responsible manner.