ABOUT THE LIBRARY
IMCPL Announces Projected Opening for Transformed Central Library
July 20, 2006
Due to significant recent construction progress, the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library Board of Trustees has announced that the projected opening to the public of the transformed Central Library downtown has been moved up by approximately six months, and is now scheduled for the end of 2007.
The announcement was made at the Central Library construction site during a meeting of the City-County Council's Municipal Corporations Committee.
Previous estimates of an opening in the summer of 2008 have been revised as a result of progress on major construction milestones established by the construction management firm of Hunt/Smoot-Library Builders and completed by the general contractors. The glass curtain wall on the north and south faces of the new six-story addition and stainless steel panel installation on the west end of the building are nearly complete. Also nearing completion is the installation of glass panels for the skylight of the connecting Atrium. Rapid progress has occurred in preparing all levels of the addition for the installation of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, and dry wall is currently being hung.
Overall, the transformation project is estimated to be 65 percent complete.
"It's important for taxpayers to know that the Library has been diligent in its efforts to complete this project as quickly and safely as possible," stated Louis Mahern, IMCPL Board of Trustees President. "We're gratified to see how much progress has been made and look forward to what Central Library soon will offer the citizens of Marion County," Mahern added.
The new construction schedule includes a timeline for the exterior and interior finishing of the six-story addition and Atrium; installation of equipment, furniture and communications systems; and moving the Library's collection of materials from the Interim Central Library and other holding locations into the new facility.
Construction has progressed as activity continues in the identification and repair of concrete deficiencies in the two-story underground parking facility which led to a lengthy delay in the project.
The 293,000-square-foot transformed Central Library will offer a technology-rich environment to meet the City's 21st century information needs, including a dynamic children's area and a collection of one million items.
