January 2007: Foundation Work

The unseasonably warm weather in the first half of the winter meant that General Contractor EW Burman made considerable progress, including putting in the library's foundation.

Foundation work (click on pictures for larger images)

Library Foundation The old mill buildings have been removed and the new library takes shape in this view from the East Avenue bridge over the Clear River. The river is located on the left and the riverwalk will meander along the lower left of the building. The stairwell and elevator shaft are being constructed (top left); the library's main entrance will be to the right of the elevator shaft (or to the left of the backhoe that is visible in the background). The fiction and non-fiction stacks will occupy the right side of the library, with reference in the near corner on the left and YA filling the space between there and the stairwell. For orientation purposes, note the Clocktower just behind the stairwell construction. View the architect's rendering of the completed library.
Main approach The main approach to the library; the entrance will be to the left of the heavy equipment. The elevator shaft is visible rising out of the foundation. For orientation purposes, the river runs behind the building, roughly parallel to the horizon. See the building added to this area.	Reference area Reference will be located on the far side of the building. This is the future location for periodical storage and reference office, with the adult stacks and reading areas to the right and YA and new books to the left.
Riverwalk The riverwalk will parallel the wall by the river. The Clear River flows below. See the area with the scaffolding removed.	Stairwell and elevator shaft (r) The second floor will contain the children's library and children's program room. The children's room will overlook the river.

More pictures: Current | October 2007 | February 2007 | April 2006

For current progress, see the Jesse M. Smith Library Construction Blog or the Clerk of the Works weekly Site Reports.