New Library construction -- Week 1, Day 1

This is it, the week that construction is due to start. The construction manager arrived bright and early to make sure all ducks were in a row. Not much has changed visually since last week though.

Before leaving, however, several trees were painted with a crimson mark. This mark is much more ominous that the one in Nathaniel Hawthorne's tale. This mark means that these trees will not be part of the final landscaping.

That Didn't Take Long

The final building was removed on Monday, the 19th. Now it is 9am on Thursday, and most of the debris has been moved away. It is rumored that construction WILL begin next week. (Everyone cross your fingers please . . .).

Among questions that have been asked:

1. Will the library be doing anything with the former Mountain Maternal Building?

A: We are currently hoping for nice neighbors.

2. Will the library share a wall with the former Mountain Maternal Building as before?
A: There will a narrow alley between the two buildings.

3. Construction was supposed to begin months ago, what happened?
A: This laundry list has included a need to re-evaluate the foundation support of the upcoming, much heavier building. The good news is that it is less expensive to discover these things before the start of construction.

4. How long will it take?
A: The construction manager says to expect about 10 months for construction to complete. Our construction manager will provide us with a construction schedule shortly. This will be posted here as sonn as it is available.

5. How can we find out more about the construction as it happens?
A: Return to this news blog often for more details.

It has begun . . . again

Chestnut Street in Berea is once again buzzing with activity. Monday morning, bright and early, a rather menacing piece of demolition equipment began its work to tear down the last remaining building. The site of the once and future Berea location of the Madison County Public Library can now be cleared in anticipation for the beginning of construction slated for early next week.

As changes occur to the site, more photos and commentary will be made available. The patience of our patrons during this change has been greatly appreciated. We all look forward to providing a building that will better serve the communities' needs and become a new source of pride for years to come.