August 01, 2008
McHenry Renovation: update, pictures, work next week
The beginning of August finds the renovation work on McHenry Library moving along. As McHenry Addition staff can attest, we're firmly in the demolition phase of the project. The last few months have been marked by a great deal of drilling and concrete removal to excavate and prepare the building for its new seismic retrofits.
Here are a few photos, courtesy of Eric Baker, showing some seismic work taking place around McHenry:
Excavation on the north side between the old temporary loading dock and the Circulation offices in preparation for seismic upgrade work
Pit excavation on the West side of the 1st floor (imagine the oversized books where this almost 30' deep pit now is). Future site of seismic stabilizing column of bathrooms linking all floors.
Bye Bye, Staircase... The circular staircase is demolished to meet new fire codes.
A Really Grand Foyer: the entrance to the old foyer is now completely open to accommodate necessary vehicles and demolition.
Next week's work
Pit excavation continues, excavation of seismic sites around the outside of the library continues, as possible.
Notice: Jackhammering is expected to continue through November as demolition of other staircases and pit excavation continues for seismic upgrades.