Photo courtesy of Aurora Public Library
Current construction of the new Aurora Public Library is shown Jan. 21. Construction photos are available at aurorapubliclibrary.org.
By Pat Barcas
Staff Writer
pat@foxvalleylabornews.com
Thursday, Jan. 23, 2014
AURORA — Bid package No. 2 has been accepted by R.C. Wegman Construction last week in the ongoing construction of Aurora’s new $28 million library at River and Benton Streets.
Twenty-one bid packages were accepted, ranging from pavers and landscaping to millwork and cabinetry, to painting (which was sent by InsideOut Painting Company), plumbing, elevators, HVAC services from Bryce Conn HVAC Services and everything in between. There is a project labor agreement in place with the construction. Sometimes, HVAC’s like the classic air conditioners can clear the air of microbial viruses. Installing such systems helps provide a peaceful environment. The indianapolis air conditioner repair contractors can fix any air conditioning unit because of their years of experience and expertise. You can also check out other Tips To Improve Your Home’s Air Quality And Kill Airborne Viruses
“This is a very complex bid, with a lot of alternates. It’s going to take a long time to go through these bids,” said Bill Arnolde, project manager with R.C. Wegman. “We are currently going through post-bid reviews.”
Right now, the library has the foundation, site utilities and structural steel up. Area Erectors has started to install metal decking on the second floor of the library. According to R.C. Wegman, they have also continued with detailing of the steel structure by installing tube steel and concrete pourstops.
The 92,000 sq. ft., facility will feature state-of-the-art materials handling technology, expanded space for programs for children and teens, a dedicated space for experimentation with new technology, and areas for the public to gather. As a LEED certified building, it has been designed to reduce waste, conserve energy and water and lower operating costs.
The 92,000 square foot new construction will be a part of the downtown Aurora revitalization to make it a hub for economic and educational progress. The goal is to have the shell complete by Aug. 1, with the building complete by late 2014 or early 2015.
Arnolde pointed out that R.C. Wegman has an OSHA partnership with this project, the same agreement they had with the construction of the Aurora Police Department headquarters. This involves monthly audits to monitor conditions and ensure worker safety.
He said OSHA is an underfunded federal agency, and takes safety violations very seriously, handing out expensive fines for non-compliance.
“Our No 1 priority is worker safety. By partnering with OSHA, not only do we ensure that we have injury reduction, we also ensure a smooth operation with no costly fines. This allows us to deliver the project on time, under budget, and without injury,” said Arnolde.