McHenry Library Addition and Renovation Blog

Article about McHenry Library construction in the July 30, 2007 issue of Currents Online (click on the text below to view the entire article):

"Predictions of the demise of libraries have been greatly exaggerated, University Librarian Ginny Steel told a gathering of UCSC pioneers July 19 during a “hard-hat” tour of construction at the McHenry Library addition....."

Posted by lauramcc at 11:31 AM | Permalink

I have been notified by DevCon Construction that the steps to the plaza on the north side of McHenry Library will be closed off beginning Wednesday July 25th, so that the chilled water lines can be connected to the building. Pedestrian traffic will be re-routed around the large planter to access the front entrance.

--Eric Baker, Head of Operations

Posted by lauramcc at 10:35 AM | Permalink

A construction update from Eric Baker, Head of Library Operations:

As the McHenry construction shifts from the addition to the renovation many of you will notice all the activity taking place on the west and north sides of the building. The water lines being installed from Earth & Marine Sciences should be completed soon. During this work, Steinhart Way is supposed to remain open, at least to one lane. The pathway to Kerr Hall is sometimes closed, but when Steinhart is shut down then the pathway should be opened up for foot traffic. Campus signage should be directing pedestrians to the proper route.

They have also been grading an area to the west of the building where construction trailers will soon be parked. Two will be delivered this coming Thursday, and the remaining one will be relocated from it's existing spot later in August. A UCSC construction trailer will be relocated to the four parking spaces at the north side. The construction yard has to move north for the renovation, and also so site work can progress on the reading gardens, ADA path, lawn, and temporary entrance. I have been in contact with the campus ADA Compliance Officer to relocate the two medical parking spaces, and I will be working with TAPS in early August to see what can be done about the other parking spaces. The handicap spaces will remain as they are.

I have been assured that the path along the west side of the building, from the Performing Arts lot to Steinhart Way, is open and will remain open and accessible until a replacement path around the south and east sides of McHenry Library is in place.

Thanks to the library staff for putting up with so much commotion. The next five months will be a challenge as addition construction wraps up and the renovation work ramps up. There is a lot of work that must be done to the existing building to supply utilities for the addition.

Posted by lauramcc at 03:36 PM | Permalink

Here are some recent pictures taken by Eric Baker showing the construction progressing with the air handler being installed on the roof, grading and infrastructure for the reading gardens and ADA path, and the east stair tower beginning to rise.

Posted by lauramcc at 02:04 PM | Permalink