New construction needs will push the completion of the Richardson Public Library renovation to May or June and its opening to September, according to a presentation at the Feb. 2 City Council meeting.
Council approved an additional $1.18 million to address water infiltration issues that arose during construction.
What’s happening?
The library renovation project began in spring 2024, and work is about 75% complete, Assistant City Manager Charles Goff said. In August, council approved an additional $1.15 million to the $48.1 million budget to address some construction challenges.
The second funding increase will cover additional waterproofing needs. The original scope of work included waterproofing on the east side of the building, which had a history of water infiltration into the basement, Goff said, as well as preventative measures on the remaining sides of the building.
Despite the preventative measures, water infiltration has been observed on other sides of the basement. The design team recommended the same waterproofing work on the north, south and west sides of the building to prevent future infiltration.
Goff requested $1.18 million in funding for excavation, exterior waterproofing and an injectable grout system.
Going forward
Most of the interior work on the library will be able to continue on schedule during the waterproofing process, but the new work will push the completion of the library to May or June.
After construction work is complete, the library will need six weeks to move in furniture and books—the library, both in the temporary and new location, will be closed during this time, and no on-site services or physical materials will be offered.
Although work will be completed by June, Library Director Jennifer Davidson recommended that the move and closure be postponed until August, allowing the temporary library to remain open throughout the summer.
“Relocating during June and July would cause a significant disruption for patrons, library staff and our library partners who use our facility,” Davidson said. “They’re relying on us to be open during this time period.”
Summer is the library’s busiest time of the year, Davidson said, and a critical period for students to take advantage of free education and enrichment initiatives while out of school.
Council approved Davidson’s recommendation for the six-week move to take place after school begins in August, with the opening of the new library planned for September.