GRAND OPENING
Sunday, March 15, 2-5 p.m.
BUILDING UPDATE
Our newly expanded and renovated library opens in March, 2009, thanks to the citizens of Northborough!
Going on now: installation of metal siding, testing of systems, installation of plumbing fixtures, connection to the sewer line, and more interior finishes and millwork.
On the old building, the contractor reinforced and damp-proofed the foundation, created footings for the columns and granite staircase, power-washed the granite walls, insulated the attic, and patched the plaster walls.
How did we get to this point?
Here is a timeline with a summary of activities:
Early to mid-1990s: Identified the need for more library space. 1997-1998: Conducted focus groups; formed Citizen Advisory Committees; 1998: Received Town Meeting approval and funding for schematic design. 1999: Received state grant of $20,000 for design and Town Meeting approval to proceed; hired architect; 2000: Received approval and funding at Town Meeting for the expansion/renovation, contingent on state construction grant; 2001: Approved for grant, but placed on waiting list. 2005: Received first installment of grant; major fundraising events scheduled; Town Meeting approved of funds for temporary quarters and related costs; 2007: Accepted bids from subcontractors and the general contractor. Requested and received additional allocation from Town Meeting to address escalation of construction costs.
Shortly after we received our final funding, the Library Building Committee rejected the lowest apparent bidder for General Contractor. The decision was based on reference checks done by our project manager, Paul Griffin, and the (then) Assistant Town Administrator, John Coderre, which revealed some problems. The Committee chose the next lowest bidder, Souliere and Zepka of Adams, Massachusetts, who had excellent references. Unfortunately, the losing bidder, Barr, Inc., of Connecticut, filed an injunction against the Town to prevent the start of work on the project. When the first court affirmed Northborough’s decision (as well as in a subsequent appeal), Barr appealed to a federal court in Boston.
While we waited for the next court decision, we moved the library from 34 Main St. to temporary quarters in the AccuSoft building on the corner of Lyman St. and Talbot Rd. The appeals court ruled in the Town’s favor at the end of September, upholding the right of a Town to hire the lowest qualified bidder, allowing rejection of a contractor after performing due diligence with a thorough background check.
We held our Groundbreaking Ceremony in October 2007, and the contractor started site work and demolition of the 1975 addition the next month. Despite some obstacles, including unfavorable weather conditions, Souliere & Zepka is performing quality work at an accelerated construction schedule. Our architect is J. Stewart Roberts and Associates, Inc., of Somerville.
We look forward to welcoming the public back to our library early in 2009.
As of October 2008, we have the masonry walls, the roofs, windows, mechanical systems for HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning), rough plumbing and wiring, fire suppression (sprinklers), stairs, and some interior finishes such as paint and bathroom tile. We are connected to water, power, and gas.