After a competitive RFP (request for proposal) process, Heights Libraries has hired the Independence Construction-DeGeronimo Companies as the construction manager at risk (CMAR) for the Noble Neighborhood branch renovation project. The decision was announced at the library’s Oct. 17 board of trustees meeting.
The Independence-based company has extensive experience with both for-profit and nonprofit projects. They include Pinecrest in Orange Village, the Greater Cleveland Food Bank’s new distribution center in Cleveland, and several libraries—most recently the new Bay Village Library.
“All the applicants had great portfolios and experience, so it wasn’t an easy decision,” said Heights Libraries Director Nancy Levin. “But DeGeronimo had a combination of supply-chain solutions, budget-reducing strategies, and a focus on community needs, which made them the right choice.”
The next phase of the Noble branch renovation will be the creation of an accurate budget and preparing to go out to bid for the actual construction.
The planned addition to the library building will be approximately 9,000 square feet, almost doubling its current size. Heights Libraries plans to break ground on the project in spring 2023.
Because the branch will have to close during the construction phase, the library will rent a small satellite space on the first floor of the BNH Building, located near the corner of Mayfield and Noble roads. It will be open limited hours, and will contain public computers, holds shelves, circulation and reference services, and a small collection of books to check out.
The project’s architectural design firm, Bostwick Design, held its third community meeting at the Noble branch on Oct. 4, to share up-to-date design plans with the community, including interior and exteriors of the new addition. Thirty-six community members and neighbors attended the event and offered feedback on the most recent renovation designs.
I am very excited about this expansion project! I live very close to this wonderful and historic Library. It will be a shining light to our proud Noble community!
I also live very close to the new library expansion. While I support public libraries, the comment period and community meetings on this project have felt disingenuous. When the presentation by the engineers involved in this project explained their plans to the community, during the presentation at the library, was there a reference to the impact demolition, design, and construction would have on Kirkwood Road. Yet, in every phase thus far, the residential neighborhood on Kirkwood behind the library has felt the brunt of the impact. We have patiently endured everything from being awaken by very early morning heavy machinery and equipment deliveries, other construction noises, and blocking of driveways. But at least in our household, we have tried to be understanding and maintain a good attitude. What bothers me is what occurred during the library community meetings on the project and assurances made prior to construction. I inquired and was told that the driveway on the Kirkwood Rd. side to the library parking lot would not be in front of our house. Well, guess what. It almost entirely is! While I do not know what all of this will mean going forward; or what it will mean for how we will continue to enjoy our home and the public street access in front of it; as a property owner I have serious concerns.
I also live very close to the new library expansion. While I support public libraries, the comment period and community meetings on this project have felt disingenuous. When the presentation by the engineers involved in this project explained their plans to the community, during the presentation at the library, was there no reference to the impact demolition, design, and construction would have on Kirkwood Road. Yet, in every phase thus far, the residential neighborhood on Kirkwood behind the library has felt the brunt of the impact. We have patiently endured everything from being awaken by very early morning heavy machinery and equipment deliveries, other construction noises, and blocking of driveways. But at least in our household, we have tried to be understanding and maintain a good attitude. What bothers me is what occurred during the library community meetings on the project and assurances made prior to construction. I inquired and was told that the driveway on the Kirkwood Rd. side to the library parking lot would not be in front of our house. Well, guess what. It almost entirely is! While I do not know what all of this will mean going forward; or what it will mean for how we will continue to enjoy our home and the public street access in front of it; as a property owner I have serious concerns.