Along with a lot of landscaping, many exterior features are nearing completion. The Washington Department of Commerce awarded NOLS a Solar plus Storage grant to integrate a large solar array and battery backup system into the building. If the power goes out, the batteries will allow the Library to continue operating—managing the building’s climate, providing light, and allowing people to charge their devices.
The metal roof has been completed and contractors are preparing for the solar panels that will cover the south half of the roof. Window installation is in progress and cedar siding will soon follow. Most interior walls are now covered and the drywall installers are busy taping and mudding. There are several curved walls in the building that take a lot of skill and close attention to detail. Additionally, the first light fixtures have been installed and turned on!
New landscaping is being installed, just in time for the lovely spring weather we’ve been having. Hundreds have plants were delivered, including large trees and native shrubs. They’re being planted along new sidewalks and pathways around the building. To make maintenance easier, a new irrigation system is being installed as well.
Drywall is going up, giving us a much better feel for spaces like staff offices and the more organic curved walls throughout the main part of the library. Other recent major achievements include getting electricity through a new meter and transformer, in partnership with Clallam County PUD, and the metal roof installation.
Snow and ice slowed work at times, but progress continues on all of the building’s systems. Contractors continue to install layers of insulation on the roof and walls, and outdoor infrastructure has been placed, including irrigation lines, storm water management, and electrical lines for lighting.
We now have a roof! Dormers have been added, allowing a lot of natural light into the middle of the library. Now that the entire building is covered, many subcontractors are working as quickly as they can to complete their portions of the project.
Significant progress was made the past month as the contractors worked through the holidays and some very wet weather. The entire parking lot was poured, giving the site a much different feel, and rafters have gone up quickly!
After a two-month delivery delay, structural steel is now on site! Steel moment frames have been constructed through the main part of the building, which will allow the space to roofed and sealed in.
The majority of the new underground infrastructure work is now complete! This includes extensive electrical and networking conduit throughout the foundation and site, as well as sewer lines, plumbing, waterlines for a new fire suppression system, and irrigation.
The sidewalk along Sequim Avenue has been closed the past month as crews complete utility work in the right of way and prepare to make changes to the entrance into the library’s parking lot.