Summer 2022: Library Building Update
Gillian’s Building Update
Summer 2022
The new Library is going up right before our very eyes and Gillian Zinser is on the ground, bringing us the latest building updates each month. Gillian is the Project Manager at Turner Construction — responsible for managing the building of the NEW New Canaan Library. The construction team has made A LOT of progress since her last update. Here’s what she shared:
When do you anticipate the new Library will be ready to open its doors?
We’re on track to have everything completed so that the library team can start moving everything over in early 2023.
What are some of the highlights from the past month?
We had our switch gear delivered, which will provide power to the entire building. The exterior stone veneer will start going into place this week! Since we’re weather tight, we were able to start the sheetrock inside. The remaining parking lot is closed so that we can do the water main tie-in during the months of July and August. More information about updated parking can be found here. Additionally, we were able to get the living room staircase in place. The north staircase will be coming soon! Finally, the glass will start to be delivered before the end of the summer. Keep an eye on the webcam for real-time updates!
What’s the best way to access the current library building?
If you have a vehicle, you can access the book drop-off from Cherry Street. Pedestrians can access the library from either Cherry Street or Main Street entrances.
Any other big news you’d like to share?
We completed all of our concrete slab pours this month, which means all floors of the new library are structurally complete!
Check out the photos from the past couple of months!
Living Room Staircase
This centrally located staircase connects the main concourse level to the mezzanine-level Living Room, which will be adjacent to our fiction collection. At the top of these stairs, you’ll find the Coworking Space, Business Center, Private Meeting Rooms and Rooftop Terrace.
Can You Guess What This Is Going to Be?
Interior framing is installed on the upper level to create the new Teen Library and public restroom areas, as well as electrical and communications closets.
Weather-Tight Framing
Exterior cold-formed metal framing continued along the exterior, giving us the structural backbone for the exterior stone veneer, which will start later this summer. Post framing, the exterior sheathing and waterproofing is applied to give the building protection against the elements prior to the final installation of the stone veneer, which will give the building its final finished look.
Stone Work
Exterior stone installation began on the north and west elevations of the building. This stonework will be installed on all areas of exterior wall adjacent to curtainwall that can currently be seen with waterproofing.
Getting Ready for Glass
Curtainwall installation began on the west elevation of the building, moving to the north and south elevations, progressing toward the auditorium and east elevation. Glass will be installed in the curtainwall framing beginning later this summer, which will enclose the building walls completely. This curtainwall glass has a special pattern which is not only aesthetically pleasing, but actually will deter birds from striking the building!
Return of the Robot
The layout robot made a return visit after the final slab pour to complete printing the layout of the new interior walls on all slabs. The steel for the living room stair was installed and the concrete was poured, giving us permanent access to all levels of the Library.
Paving the Way
The new sidewalks were poured from the Center School lot, providing the new access point which will connect to a brand new crosswalk across Maple Street directly to the library main entrance.
Post framing, the exterior sheathing and waterproofing is applied to give the building protection against the elements prior to finish. Steel detailing was completed this month and the structural steel contractor demobilized from site. The CMU installation at the board room terrace began this month as well, preparing to tie this area to structure for the installation of the roof terrace later this summer.