The votes are in and it’s time for the renovations to begin.
Renovations to the historic Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library, built in 1939, will begin May 6 and continue an estimated 18 months.
In December, library staff asked for input from students, faculty and staff on what the new bathroom finishes – tiles, paint, countertops, walls, stalls and flooring – should look like.
Donna Adcock, director of public relations for University Libraries, said library staff are excited about the renovations getting started.
“Our goal is to have a renovated building that provides modern, efficient spaces for our students and addresses all of the infrastructure needs of the buildings,” she said.
Though it’s been painted and updated with new furniture, Gorgas has never undergone any major renovations, Adcock said.
Renovations being made in phase one include:
- Replacing the existing staff elevator to make it an ADA compliant passenger elevator that will serve all 10 floors of the building
- Replacing the cars and controls in the two passenger elevators
- Updating and enlarging restrooms to include new finishes and space for wheelchairs
- Adding a nursing room on the first floor
- Adding gender neutral restrooms on second and fourth floors
- Renumbering all floors and rooms
- Enlarging Room 205 to add a second meeting room with storage and a caterer-preparation space
- Renovating Java City
“The main thing we want to stress is we will remain open during the duration of the renovation,” Adcock said. “All of our library services will continue. All of our collections will remain accessible, and, if something gets moved, such as a book, let us know and we will get it to you.
“Also, we’re hoping to have some fun events this summer to help everyone de-stress.”
To follow the renovation progress, read the library’s blog, a link to which can be found on the University Libraries’ main website. The blog will include before-and-after photos of the renovations.