January 2022: Library Building Update
Gillian’s Building Update
January 2022
Meet Gillian Zinser! She’s the Project Manager at Turner Construction who is responsible for managing the building of the NEW New Canaan Library. She set up her office in a trailer next to the Library and will be on-site from now until the project is complete. Each month, she’ll be stopping by to update all of us on the progress of the project.
What are the phases of construction?
Lisa Oldham, New Canaan Library’s Executive Director on the construction site.
Gillian: We have two phases of construction for the NEW New Canaan Library. We’re currently in phase one which started in November and it includes the construction of the new Library, the Children’s Garden, and the entrance from Maple Street. Phase two includes creation of the new Library Green, the Event Terrace, and access from South Avenue.
How is the project going?
Gillian: The construction trailer and project site are hooked up to power so we are in full swing! We are 90% complete with building excavation and are pouring concrete footings in the north and west areas of the slab on grade (main ground level). The basement footing excavation is 90% complete, and we are beginning to prepare for concrete footings in this area. Pours will continue for footings through the month of January as we approach our first slab pour towards the beginning of February.
When should we expect the new Library to be complete?
The project is on schedule for the new Library to open in the first quarter of 2023!
What are some of the highlights from this past month?
Gillian: During December, we completed most of our excavation and soil removal to continue our foundations and start pouring concrete. Check out some of the photos from the construction site…
Safety First
We installed soil retention barriers to protect the existing library building during excavation.
Excavation & Preparation
Excavation of the site is progressing, with the entire building complete to sub-grade to prepare for concrete foundations to proceed.
What is MEP?
MEP is short for Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing. MEP coordination of the building is complete underground, progressing on through the ground floor. We draw all MEP systems in a 3D model of the building before we build it to make sure the components all fit the way the are supposed to.
We Love Visitors!
Fifth graders from St. Aloysius School stopped by to see construction in progress. After watching the concrete pour on Tuesday, the St. A's fifth graders went home and told their siblings about the New Library. When the third graders came later in the week, several of them started casually chatting about how their older siblings told them about the new Library. The kids are all so excited — here are a few things we overheard them sharing with their friends:
"Did you know there will be a cafe?!"
"Wow! There's going to be a teaching kitchen? Like, with classes for kids too?!"
"This sounds like a whole community center."