Library construction moves along

Phase one construction continues on Georgia College & State University’s Russell Library, estimated to be completed by the end of June, with the start of phase two only a few months away.

The new addition to the library is being built in two phases. Phase one is the 95,000-square foot addition and phase two is the renovation of the existing library.

“Phase one is about fifty-five percent complete and only about ten percent behind right now,” said Mark Bowen, the project manager of Russell Library.

Changes to the project that are not in the original contract could quite possibly push that date further back. These changes are structural additions to the building. They will be funded through the extra money that wasn’t used in the budgeting of Russell Library.

“As of right now, none of these changes have been approved and must be approved by a number of people. We are getting closer to having final approval for those changes, and then we will have a better idea of how many days will be added to the project,” said Bowen.

Original plans show the new addition to be opened about this time for phase one.

Weather and other problems have caused some minor setbacks. Rain has added days to the project and some architectural and engineering changes were needed to be made once the building was started.

“There was also quite a bit of grading that needed to be done because we have three levels for the addition, whereas there are only two for the existing building. We had to go down quite a bit to get the first level in place,” said Bowen.

“There was also quite a bit of grading that needed to be done because we have three levels for the addition, whereas there are only two for the existing building. We had to go down quite a bit to get the first level in place,” said Bowen.

Right now the construction workers are in the process of doing exterior brickwork and stonework. The inside of the new addition is shaping up with the drywall and sheetrock finished on all three levels. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing is being installed along with the metal and wood ceilings. Acoustical ceiling tiles are also being installed.

“We have completed the brickwork and stonework in the interior. It is very nice, and I think everyone is going to enjoy it when they get to see it,” said Bowen.

Along with the structural design of the inside are improvement plans for students that the existing Russell Library doesn’t have.

“The new building will have three computer labs, a graphic design lab, and regular computers for research, it’s going to be a wonderful new place,” said Reagan Brumagen, a GC&SU librarian.

Construction has taken its toll on some students, but things remain quiet in the library.

“Nothing has been bothering us, it is hard to get into the beginning of the front door and around campus, I think it is harder for students than us librarians,” said Brumagen.

Students disagree with the inconvenience of the hike around campus to get to the library.

“Don’t get me wrong, a new library is going to be great, but there must be a better way for students to get into the existing library,” said Blair Campbell, a freshman music major. “We have to walk all the way around the block just to run in the library for a second.”

At the end of phase one, GC&SU has thirty days to move into the new addition of the library. This includes moving all of the books, staff, some old furniture, new furniture, computer systems networking , and telephone installation.

Phase two begins on the interior of the existing building, estimated to be completed around April of 2004.

“Then, demolition work will begin on the interior, walls will be moved around, the carpet will be taken out along with some furnishings and it will be completely new on the inside when the renovation is complete,” said Bowen.

“The existing building is about 44,000 square feet and once the addition is complete we will move into and occupy it while the renovation is going on in Russell Library, and hopefully sometime early next year we will be in both buildings,” said Bowen.

The future of the library is promising, and there is a common vision shared by students, project management and faculty.

“Even with yet another inconvenience, I’m sure all will be forgotten as soon as the new library is open and accessible,” said Campbell.

“I think we are going to thoroughly enjoy it. It is going to be unlike anything we have on campus. There have been some debates on whether or not the appearance blends in with campus but, personally, I think we are going to be pleasantly surprised. The usefulness of it and its purpose is going to make it one of the best buildings we have on campus,” said Bowen.

“It’s going to be a wonderful new facility and I think it’s going to serve a lot more of the needs of students,” said Brumagen.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Apr 10 2003. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry