Renovation of Downtown Libraries
John Henry Faulk Central Library and Austin History Center
CIP 853-857-0401
Summary
The downtown libraries are undergoing renovations and will be closed while work is being done. The John Henry Faulk Central Library will be closed from July 24 through January 21, 1996. The Austin History Center will be closed from May 1 through October 15.
Issues
Because of the sheer scope of the construction required and the need to deal prudently with asbestos-containing materials in the building, the liability associated with allowing public access to the John Henry Faulk Central Library during this time would be too great. The budget needed to accomplish this critical infrastructure renewal project is extremely tight. While the possibility of conducting this renovation in phases was explored in-depth, it became clear that the additional costs incurred through such an approach would drive the total cost of the project beyond the limits of the available budget.
Description
John Henry Faulk Central Library: The Austin Public Library's downtown location will soon undergo extensive remodeling necessitated by the aging and subsequent deterioration of its original equipment systems. In order to responsibly carry out these renovations the library will temporarily close for approximately six months.
The project will involve the removal of existing lighting and the installation of new lighting systems; redoing interior finishes; replacing all carpeting; and replacing all fire detection and alarm equipment throughout the building. Library staff will need to move all the collections, shelving, and furniture for storage and protection purposes while the work is being done.
John Henry Faulk Central Library staff will be relocated to provide enhanced service at Austin Public Library branch locations. Books may be returned to any Austin Public Library location. In addition, the book drop at the John Henry Faulk Central Library will remain open for returns throughout the renovation.
The results of this six-month interim period will be improved proper fire protection, vastly improved lighting, attractive finishes, new carpeting, and additional shelving for our growing collections.
Austin History Center: In the 1992 City of Austin Bond Election, voters approved a comprehensive engineering retrofit for the Austin History Center. Construction began on this imprtant infrastructure renewal project on February 21, 1995. Due to the loss or curtailment of electrical distribution capabilities, air conditioning, ventilation, telephone, and data service at the facility during the demolition of the old systems and installation of new systems, the Austin History Center must temporarily close for three and one-half months. When the Austin History Center reopens to researchers on October 16, the facility will provide:
- An entirely new climate control system to preserve the archival collections more effectively and keep researchers more comfortable.
- An electrical system which meets City building codes.
- An asbestos-free environment.
- Improved access to the building for mobility-impaired customers.
- Improved technological capability for accessing electronic data.
- Increased storage area for preserving archival collections.
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