Renovations were completed at the end of April, 2015.
As part of the library’s continuous effort to improve its services to the community, the first-floor meeting rooms and Auditorium were renovated.
Dewberry, an Elgin-based architecture firm, led the renovation. As seen in its current list of projects (a few local projects in Deerfield and Glenview), Dewberry has developed a unique specialty in library renovations. Pepper Construction was the construction management company that was retained to oversee the construction. They were involved with the library renovations in 1999/2000 and 2009.
The renovation addressed some of the concerns and interests that arose in our last two community surveys:
- Better technology in meeting rooms for presentations
- Installation of RF Hearing Assistance Systems and other ADA enhancements
- Digital Projection System for movie presentations
- Comfortable theater-style seating in the Auditorium
- Improved acoustics in meeting rooms and the Auditorium
- HVAC improvements
Initial Timeline:
- Late February, 2014 - Bid documents are anticipated to be available
- Early March, 2014 - Pre-bid meeting
- Late March, 2014 - Public bid opening
- April 2014 Board Meeting - Approve contractors to work on the project
- Late April, 2014 - Construction begins
- Late March, 2015 – Estimated project completion date
Proposed Construction Phasing Timeline
Phase 1A – Auditorium – April 2014 to December 2014
Phase 1B – East & West Vestibule – June 2014 to September 2014
Phase 2 – HVAC & Carpet – 2nd floor - July 2014 to October 2014
Phase 3 – North Vestibule – Technical Services – September 2014
Phase 4 – Site Work – Parking Lot – October 2014 to November 2014
Phase 5 – Lobby – January 2015 to March 2015
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Did the project enlarge the building?
A. Yes. The building gained 1,882 square feet to increase its total size to 87,223 square feet. The expansion was kept within the library's current footprint.
Q. Who decided to do this project?
A. The Northbrook Public Library Board of Trustees, the citizen body responsible for the library's governance, had been planning this for several years. Beginning in 2012, the Library Board started the formal planning process for this project. One of the major outcomes embodied in this project is a commitment to enhancing the library building and its contents as an attractive destination for the community.
Q. How much did it cost?
A. The Library Board has allocated $6,500,000 for the project. This paid for planning, design, construction, furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
Q. Where did the money coming from?
A. Bonds were issued in July 2013 to pay for the renovation project.
Q. What would have happened if the project went over budget?
A. Rigorous professional cost estimates were part of the design process. As the Library Board reviewed each phase of the design, it evaluated the estimates to make sure that the project could actually be carried out. In addition, contingency allowances were incorporated into the detailed construction and equipment budgets. These safeguards enabled the project’s managers to respond to unforeseen conditions. If some element of the project was too expensive, it was not done.
Q. Were property taxes increased to pay for this project?
A. Yes, due to the increase in debt.
Q. Who is working on this project?
A. Dewberry, an Elgin-based architecture firm, was chosen by the Library Board following a rigorous competitive process. The architects’ experience with library renovation was a key factor in their selection. Pepper Construction of Barrington, Illinois, was selected as Construction Manager by the Library Board. The construction management firm carried out the approved design and was responsible for selecting and supervising subcontractors and vendors. In addition, library staff continued their deep involvement.
Q. Was the library closed during construction?
A. Library meeting rooms and the auditorium were not available for public use after March 2014, and some areas were temporarily closed for safety concerns. The library did have to close all day or part of a day due to construction work; these days numbered fewer than 5 over the course of construction.
Q. Did any unforeseen issues arise during the design process?
A. Yes. During the construction manager's review of the schematic design documents, Pepper determined that the HVAC system needed a major overhaul to comply with code. The cost related to the HVAC overhaul was approximately $1,000,000.
