Update on lead paint issue

The City of Jacksonville, architect Steve Lazar, and contractors have been reviewing options necessary to address the lead paint found on the original large main floor windows and bars securing the lower small windows. In a meeting Wednesday, Jan. 26, at Public Works it was determined that multiple quotes must be secured for the abatement of this lead paint to complete the project. Once quotes are obtained and reviewed (2-3 weeks) a change-order will be processed to amend the contract (4-6 weeks). Then the remaining work necessary to restore the windows is expected to take two months and then at least another month for library staff to restore the library to an operational condition. — Status Report from Bill Joyce, Public Works

Window repair decisions made; project timeline updated

The project team has been examining the best options for making the necessary repairs to the windows of this historic building. According to the project architect, the following actions will be taken over a 10-week period, once authorized:

Basement Windows:  The windows will be removed so new windowsills and flashing can be installed, then the windows will be replaced.  (Earlier, the glass was replaced and the windows were painted.)

Large Main Floor Windows: For these windows, the architect has recommended they can be repaired (repainted, glass replaced and windows resealed) while still in place, except for the lower portion of each window which will be cut and removed allowing for the installation of new windowsills and flashing.  The upper portion of each window can be worked on without the window being removed.

As can be expected in older buildings, there is lead paint on the windows, which will require special handling and remediation.

Now that the exact plan for the windows has been determined, and with the discovery of potential lead paint issues, the work schedule will be pushed out a bit further than previously anticipated.  The project team is working with the contractor on cost estimates and to determine a timeline for completion. The library staff will need about four to six weeks after the work is completed to refurnish, paint, and reassemble the children’s room back to its original layout.

We expect to have a better idea of when the actual work will occur and a projected opening date after the required paperwork (such as a Change Order or budget changes) are processed.