Briarcliff Manor Public Library Building Expansion

Almost DONE!

2008-12-11T11:30:00.000-08:00

At this morning’s construction meeting, the Contractor reported that there are about 2 weeks of work remaining until job completion. So the Library should be wrapped up and ready right after Christmas!

The builders have made tremendous progress during the last two weeks, with the second floor almost complete and the first floor rapidly moving along. Tile work, cabinetry, and finish coats of paint can be seen upstairs. Plumbing fixtures are being installed today! On the first floor, finish work is rapidly following. Carpet is due on December 22nd, so we know that the job must be concluding!

The photos being posted also show that the plywood wall that was in the temporary children’s room has been removed in order to connect the old and new buildings. This “Transition Room” will be given a cosmetic overhaul, but must await further fund raising for its complete renovation.

After the building is turned over, we will be installing the beautiful new furnishings we are having fabricated and have ordered. Then comes the big move! Let me know if you would like to be involved with shelving about 30,000 items! Teens and up, only, please, as this is heavy and demanding work!

Paving and Electrical Progress

2008-11-20T09:22:00.000-08:00

The new Library is now on its own, underground, brand new electrical system! This step will allow the elevator to get powered up and is a further step toward completion of the project!

The first course of paving, "binder coat," was applied yesterday, with the second coat due Tuesday, November 25th. This will probably make access to the Library difficult. We will post any possible closing on our website.

Also, there may be a phone outage for 24 hours at some point as new service is brought into the new building, and then snaked back into the exisiting facility.

Inside, floors are being tiled, doors are being hung, decorative mouldings are being applied around windows and doors, and rooms are receiving finish coats of painting. It looks great and I am getting anxious to move in!

More Progress to Report!

2008-10-31T08:40:00.000-07:00

Progress on the Library addition will mean some closings in early November.

In order for the new electrical service to get up and running, the old supply will be shut down for one day during the first week of November (date TBD). Also, for the paving of the parking lots to be completed, the Library will need to close for two days during the week on November 10th. We are doing our best to coordinate this with the November 11th closing for Veteran’s Day, but the final determination will depend on progress on the job, contractors’ schedules, and weather.

The stair cases are now in, ceiling grids and light fixtures are being installed, window trim is being painted, and the boiler is ready to be fired up. The exterior stucco finish has been completed and outside light poles will be set up within the next two weeks.

Building Moving Ahead

2008-10-16T11:29:00.000-07:00

No doubt you have noticed the progress on the Library as you visit, walk in Law Park, or pass on Pleasantville Road or Routes 9A/100. As we approach the final months, a great deal of work is being done each week. Pictures and a slide show of progress are at http://www.briarcliffmanorlibrary.org/photos.html

On the exterior, trim is painted and the final coat of stucco (“EIFS”) will be applied as soon as the weather is dry. The construction trailer is about to leave the lot so that the entry way can be widened to better accommodate two-way traffic. The parking lots will be paved and lamp posts erected by early November.

The boiler is being installed with the intent of being operational as soon as the weather calls for it. The basement electrical and mechanical rooms have been built.

Inside the Library proper, all of the walls are completed and are receiving a coat of primer paint. All of the doors and cabinetry are now on site, to be installed in early November. Ceiling and lighting installation are due within two weeks, along with finish carpentry around interior windows and doors. Painting and carpeting, as well as completion of the bathrooms will wrap up the project.

We will have to close for one day when the electrical service is moved from our old system to our new source, and parking will be an issue with completion of the lots.

A larger disruption of service will be the closing of the Children's Room after Thanksgiving. We do not have a firm date, but in order to complete work on the “transition space” from the old building to the new, we will be packing up the kids room and vacating the space so that the contractor can remove the temporary wall, complete some demolition and carpentry, paint, and carpet the room.

Painting in Progress

2008-10-01T12:34:00.000-07:00

As the phont depicts, the outside trim is being painted before the final coat of stucco is applied.

Inside the building, the fire suppression system is completed and rough plumbing and electrical are done so that the sheet rock is going in on both floors. Looking at the interior walls, we have a much better sense of how the building is going to look and feel. (And… we still LOVE it!)

All of the parts for the elevator have been delivered and the exterior doors are due soon.

The concrete walk way is partly completed and will be a nice framework for the circular drive when it is done.

Completion is scheduled for the end of the year; furnishing to follow and we will move in just as quickly as we can!

One Day Closing Monday 9/29

2008-09-26T11:37:00.000-07:00

The Library will be closed on Monday, September 29th, for one day only. Concrete will be poured adjacent to the entrance. In case of rain, the Library will close on Tuesday, 9/30 and be open on Monday.

Decorative Exterior Woodwork

2008-09-02T09:42:00.000-07:00

The most recent pictures of the building show the 9A side, where the decorative wood trim is being applied. It looks great! http://www.briarcliffmanorlibrary.org/photos.html Sorry I can't give you a better photo of the stonework on the front facade. It is covered to prevent any damage, but is also very fitting with the style and feeling of the original building. I think we can all be very proud of this project!

Stone Work on Building

2008-08-18T12:57:00.000-07:00

WOW! I was away for a week, and I came back to see the stone work being applied to the front of the building and the retaining wall going in around the front turnaround. It all looks great! Inside, the sprinkler system is going in, the duct work now hangs down to where blowers will appear in the ceiling; and the electrical work is well underway.
See pics at: http://www.briarcliffmanorlibrary.org/photos.html

Steady Progress on the Building

2008-08-08T09:23:00.000-07:00

Inside, 95% of the duct work for heating, ventilating, and air conditioning is complete; electrical rough-in is due to be finished in 4-5 weeks; and the attic will be insulated by the end of the month. Sheet rocking will then commence from the second floor to the first.

Outside, shingles are installed on the front side of the roof. On the rear face of the building, the first layer of plywood is sealed and white insulation board is being applied. Stone for the finish work on the front of the building has been delivered.

Site work continues and the front turnaround road is now very visible. The retaining wall is due to be installed shortly. Unfortunately, along with site work will come some parking interruptions.

The “top” parking lot is currently available, but pedestrian traffic will now be routed in front of the Construction trailer in order to access the Library. Follow the traffic markers/ caution tape/ orange fence/ arrows to find your way. Within a week or two, I am told that the lot will be CLOSED and the Library will be only accessible from the Atria Parking Lot. You will know when this happens, because you just won’t be able to get in! As usual, we are here to serve you and apologize for any of the many inconveniences!

We all look forward to seeing the finished product!
See current pics at: http://www.briarcliffmanorlibrary.org/photos.html

Roof and Site Work

2008-07-31T11:10:00.000-07:00

The latest pictures at http://www.briarcliffmanorlibrary.org/photos.html show that indeed, the roof is going on and trim work is being applied. In one photo you can see the pile of boulders that will be removed in order to create the circular drive in front of the Library.

The site is truly humming - with all trades on hand, work being done both inside and out, and trucks delivering new building supplies regularly.

The Roof is Next!

2008-07-24T09:15:00.000-07:00

Roofing shingles are due to be delivered tomorrow, so look for roofing to commence next week. Site work will be coming soon, particularly grading the rough areas, installing sidewalks and completing parking lots. The contractor will begin work near the new building and continue up to Pleasantville Road.

Inside the building, duct work for the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning is almost complete; the plumbers are hard at work installing pipes; and the electricians will begin to rough-in their lines this week. Almost all of the framing is complete, so it is easy to see what the finished spaces will look like.

Mid July Progress report

2008-07-14T13:13:00.000-07:00

During July and August, Parking Lot and Site Work will resume. Parking in the Library lot may be limited or even non-existent at times. But the Library will be open and ready for business. Parking will always be available at Atria for a quick walk through Law Park.

The stair case leading down to the building from the park is also due for re-construction. The Village Building Department assures me that only half of it will be impassable at any time… Again, we will persevere!

You can see that the windows are now installed in the addition and I am told that 80% of the HVAC duct work is completed on the second floor. Electrical work will begin around the 21st of July and Plumbing should begin the week after. So all of the trades will be on site as the building continues to take shape!

Continue to watch for pics at http://www.briarcliffmanorlibrary.org/photos.html

Moving Along with the Building!

2008-06-25T10:50:00.000-07:00

WOW - My apologies for not having updated the Blog sooner!
The whole building is functioning and we are here to serve you. The most recent photos at http://www.briarcliffmanorlibrary.org/photos.html
show the progress to date. The whole building is now enclosed and tarpaper is being applied to the roof. Inside, framing of rooms is apparent in many areas. The outline of the windows that will be installed is visible as well. The finish date continues to be the end of the year.

Sorry - Children's Room still closed

2008-05-08T10:21:00.000-07:00

The Library is open. The parking lot has been paved with the basecoat, but the Children's Room continues to be under siege. A temporary wall was constructed two feet into the Children’s Room so that the exterior wall where the two buildings join can be demolished. Demolition should be concluding around May 15th, at which point we will re-open the room. At the present, it is just too dusty, dirty, and loud to be occupied by staff or public!

Park at Atria April 28-May2

2008-04-28T13:36:00.001-07:00

The Library is open, but preparation for paving the upper parking lot is ongoing this week. Please park at Atria and walk through Law Park to visit.
The Children's Room is closed during construction hours (until 3:30 weekdays) until May 2nd.

Library Service Blips

2008-04-17T07:50:00.000-07:00

The Library is open for business, but the Children’s Room is CLOSED this week – today and Friday, April 17/18 for the construction of a temporary partition between the old and new buildings. On Thursday, April 24th, we will again need to close the Children’s Room (for one day) as a safety precaution during the installation of steel columns that are adjacent to the old building. The room will be open from April 19-23 and from April 25th on.

On Thursday and Friday, April 24/25, the Parking Lot will be closed for paving. Please park at Atria and walk through the park to visit the Library. In case of rain, the paving may be carried over to Monday and Tuesday, April 28/29.

Steel is Here!

2008-04-14T14:29:00.000-07:00

Today, two steel columns were raised on the site. What excitement! With the columns and beams going into place, the building will be going up without delay now. With all of the necessary components on site, I am assured that progress will really pick up now!

Moving Ahead!

2008-03-20T10:49:00.001-07:00

As we welcome Spring, tree stumps are being removed; black top is due on the upper parking lot; and roof trusses have been delivered. Steel columns are due on site in mid-April. THEN THE BUILDING WILL BEGIN TO TAKE SHAPE. So that’s the good news.

The not-so-good-news is that black-topping will close the Library for a day or two and moving building supplies into place closer to the work site will also necessitate an interruption in service. As usual we will let you know what the schedule is as soon as we are informed by the contractor. We will do the usual bookmark/phone recording/website notification and hope that you are not inconvenienced.

I have to say – It’s getting exciting!

Library Closing on Valentine's Day

2008-02-07T07:25:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, February 14th, the Library will close for one day for the excavation of the cement pad immediately in front of the main doors. The air conditioning lines for the new building will be installed in the new trench. Regular Library hours will resume on Friday morning at 10 am.

We are still awaiting final shipments of beams and columns for the building, but all of the site work is being completed in the interim. Installation of new lines for water, electricity, and air conditioning are approaching completion, at which point the site will be graded.

Soon...we hope... the building will begin to take form.

Building Soon to Take Shape!

2008-01-24T07:03:00.000-08:00

The new water supply for the Library is being brought across Pleasantville Road this week. Interruption of the traffic flow should end by Wednesday, January 30th. Excavation for the electrical service and chiller lines will continue into early February, crossing the old parking lot and cement pad immediately in front of the Library door. Be prepared to cross a steel plate to enter the building.

The structural steel and wood is being assembled on site and all of it should be shipped by mid-February. Then, the building will begin to be framed and really take shape! As large structural pieces are put into place, there may be some days when the Library is forced to shut down for safety reasons. We will keep you posted on the blog, the website home page, and on our phone answering system (941-7072).

Happy New Year

2008-01-14T09:13:00.001-08:00

Winter does have an impact on construction! The contractors do not move wet dirt, so cleanup of the site and grading around the building are lagging. The concrete slab was poured during last week’s thaw. Installation of the new water main is next; as the new water supply will come in across Pleasantville Road, there will be some traffic issues. Work will occur both after and before Village “rush hour,” and steel plates will cover the excavation as the 3 day project proceeds.

Library Plumbing back on line!

2007-12-13T13:18:00.000-08:00

The Library, although still a bit of a hassle to get into, now has both heat and plumbing. The news of the week is that the parking lot has another layer of gravel and the DPW will clear snow from the lot, walkways, and stairs to the Library after the streets are cleared. Next week the concrete slab will be poured and the foundation will be backfilled as the site is graded to its normal appearance.

Danger! Take Care!

2007-10-30T13:20:00.000-07:00

The areas adjacent to the Library are now all under siege!

Please be careful when approaching the building. The correct route is by foot through the Law Park paths to the staircase across from the building entrance. (Please do not drive in the Park!)

DO NOT USE the Book Drop built into the building; the area leading up to the drop is being excavated and is dangerous to navigate. The freestanding Book Drop is now in use on the Law Park path (right below a street lamp) directly across from the new parking area inside the property on Pleasantville Road.

October Building Meetings

2007-10-23T10:44:00.000-07:00

Excavation for the Library addition is complete and concrete is being poured for the foundation. This work displaced the sewer lines, so library bathrooms have been out of service. Con Ed is re-connecting the gas line late this month so the Library will once again have heat and hot water. Water will be useable once the sewer lines are reconnected anticipated for “after November 1st.” Current work involves installing drainage and water lines.

The use of the new Pleasantville Road parking area is scheduled for October 26th, with access to the Library through the adjacent Law Park path and down the steps to the front door. The old parking lot will be re-configured and access to the bike trail will be built.

Construction Meeting September 20, 2007

2007-09-20T08:51:00.000-07:00

Library underpinning is complete; the existing building is safe and secure. Excavation for the addition will now start in earnest. Unfortunately, the digging will displace the sewer line – so bathrooms will be out of service for at least 30 days. The old parking lot will also be dug up to make way for new utility lines.

Parking will be in the new “upper lot” along Pleasantville Road. Entry to the Library will be routed through the park and down the stairs to the front door. If you are unable to negotiate the staircase, we would be happy to meet you with your materials in the lot. Please call ahead from home-or from you car. We continue to keep our regular hours!

The Big Dig

2007-09-05T13:34:00.000-07:00

Well - this is big for us! The old piers that held up the modular, the front walkway, and parts of the parking area are now in a heap in front of the Library. Underpinning of the foundation should begin this week.

A Normal Wednesday - August 29th

2007-08-29T07:26:00.000-07:00

IT looks like a normal day at the Library - with the Parking Lot open and Staff here ready to serve you! SO if you are not away on vacation- come on in!

Library is Open!

2007-08-28T07:29:00.000-07:00

Additional site work is on-going that is creating a "log-jam" in our parking lot. There are a few spaces to park, and you are welcome to park close to the entryway on the grass or gravel. Please do not block the roadway as cars and trucks are entering and exiting. If you are planning on a lengthy stay at the Library, you may want to park behind Atria and walk through Law Park to reach us.

Construction Meeting (8/23/2007)

2007-08-23T08:43:00.000-07:00

At this morning’s construction meeting, the following were announced:
Access to the bike trail is a job priority – look for a new opening in the chain link fence behind the Library at the South side;
Additional Library parking will be coming soon along Pleasantville Road;
Underpinning (strengthening and stabilizing the foundation of the existing building) is next on the agenda, to be followed by excavation for the new addition.

One Day Closing Announced for Tuesday, August 21st

2007-08-14T13:36:00.000-07:00

The Library, along with all access to the parking lot and building, will be closed on Tuesday August 21st for additional site work. We again apologize for the inconvenience and of course, no fines will be charged for materials due that day that are returned a day late. Our intent continues to be to close ONLY when the contractors determine that conditions are unsafe for the public - we hope that there are very few days in the next 18 months for which this is the case!

Law Park Access Fenced Off

2007-08-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

As heavy machinery moves in to remove tree stumps and dig the 16 ft. deep excavation for the basement of the addition, access to Law Park from the Library lot has been closed off. Within the month, construction on the upper parking lot for the Library will begin. Upon completion of the parking area adjacent to Pleasantville Road, the lot next to the building as well as temporary access to the bike trail will be reconfigured. Both temporary caution fence as well as chain link fencing will mark off areas that are unsafe for the public to enter.

Good News for Bike Riders/Trail Users!

2007-08-03T08:09:00.000-07:00

The Library Parking Lot will be expanded at the beginning of the construction project. The “upper lot,” along Pleasantville Road, will be installed soon. As part of that work, temporary railtrail access will be created on the north side of the Library building. Although I can’t say when all of this will occur, I am told that once the big machinery starts arriving, the project will take off!

Chain Link Fence to be Installed!

2007-07-31T09:08:00.000-07:00

The next sign that construction is imminent at the Library will be the installation of a chain link fence across the parking lot. The fence will separate the Library and its activities from the construction site excavation that will soon be underway. Parking will be severely cut and the stair way to the park, proper will be fenced off. Parking in the Library lot will be strictly limited to those using the Library; one hour parking will be enforced.

Library to Close for one Day- Monday, July 30th

2007-07-27T08:41:00.000-07:00

Just for one day - the Library, the entrance, the parking lot- all will be closed for the day so that contractors can begin site work. All of the trees that need to be cut down for both the building expansion and the parking space increases will be taken down on that one day. We apologize for the inconvenience, and of course, no fines will be charged for materials due that day that are returned a day late. Our intent is to close ONLY when the contractors determine that conditions are unsafe for the public - we hope that there are very few days in the next 18 months for which this is the case!

Construction Progress Report

2007-07-25T11:37:00.000-07:00

The modular is gone, the construction trailer is here, and the week of July 30th will see trees removed so that construction can begin. Be prepared to see a few large trees taken down so that the Library can expand. We will all greet this event with mixed feelings. As soon as we know which day the tree removal will take place, we will post it here and on our home page. The Library parking lot will be closed that day.

Construction Trailer Arriving at Library

2007-07-20T11:52:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, July 24th, the Contractor’s Construction Trailer will be delivered and situated on the South side of the Library property along Pleasantville Road. This will necessitate some closing of the Library entry and parking lot. If you visit, you may want to park at Atria and walk through Law Park in order to avoid delays. Unfortunately, we do not know what time the 40’ trailer will be delivered.

Ground Breaking July 27-10:00 am

2007-07-16T10:25:00.000-07:00

A ceremonial ground breaking will be hosted by the Village and Library Boards at the site of the new construction on Friday, July 27th at 10:00 am. Join us for a few words of inspiration and some lemonade and cookies!

Modular to be Removed, Wednesday, July 18th

2007-07-16T09:54:00.001-07:00

The Library Modular, which has served as the Children’s room for the past three years, will be removed from the Library this Wednesday, July 18th. While the Library will be open for business, parking will be limited and the parking lot may be closed when the modular is ready to roll out onto Pleasantville Road. In consideration of safety and noise, we have cancelled all Library programs previously scheduled for that day. The Modular will be moved to the DPW site and become office space for the Department of Public Works.
The following week (day to-be-announced) site work will begin with the removal of some trees and the placement of the Construction trailer. Although none of us like to see trees taken down, it is a necessary step toward expanding the Library. The site plan was carefully reviewed by the Village Planning Board and adopted by the Village Board.

Library Building Expansion Imminent

2007-06-29T10:55:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd begin a blog to keep you up-to-date on what is happening with Library expansion. I'll do my best to keep it brief and just hit the high points.

For background information - to see the rendering, floor plans, and read about the vision for the new Library - go to http://www.briarcliffmanorlibrary.org/libraryexpansion.html

On Thursday, June 28, 2007 the pre-construction meeting for the Library expansion was held. The Architect sponsored the meeting and contractors, subcontractors, Village, and Library personnel met for an overview of what will be happening soon. Here are the highlights:

Expect the Library modular to be off-site by early July. The DPW will build the wall to enclose the Library. DPW is inheriting the modular for office space.
By the stone wall on Pleasantville Road, the General Contractor will be setting up his construction trailer.
Construction is due to begin on or around July 16th - with contractors and subs moving in their storage bins and equipment.
The north end of the Library parking lot will be fenced off since it will become the construction zone.
Parking will be limited - encourage your friends who use the pool to park behind Atria, as per Village guidelines.

Just a few words about library service during the project. We expect to be under construction for 18 months... so our scaled down collection will be the rule. We continue to have the best of our materials on the shelves, so you may very well find what you need. But...

Please ask us to order materials that you need- we are always happy to borrow form our neighboring libraries.
Understand that we may have to move programs off-site during construction - we're taking this as it develops...
Unfortunately, there may be some service interruptions, but the Contractors have promised to do their best to give us notice so that we can let you know when we might close for a day or two. We will post any such closings on our home page.

Have a good weekend and a good fourth of July!