The City of Arlington has launched a regular Bond Tracker segment for MyArlingtonTV to keep residents informed about the progress of construction on dozens of projects that were included in the City's bond elections.
This month's episode features the renovation project to transform the Woodland West Branch Library. The project began on Monday, August 6th. This $378,000 project will upgrade and modernize the store front, periodical, and administrative areas; remodel the restrooms to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act; and replace three of the four rooftop HVAC units.
Due to its unique location within a shopping center, city staff and architect worked together to create innovative solutions to meet the project's requirements. Originally, it was believed expanding the building to the west would be the only way to incorporate all the desired internal changes; however, this plan would have been costly and did not provide for any changes to the entrance. After conducting a review of the initial plan, city staff determined that redesigning a portion of the interior would achieve a more efficient floor plan, allow for upgrades to the entrance, and cost substantially less.
To complete the renovations as quickly as possible, the library was temporarily closed on August 1st and is scheduled to reopen in early 2019. The following services will be affected during construction:
- All materials housed at Woodland West will not be available;
- Book drop off will not be available. Items may be returned at any Arlington Public Library location;
- Requested items will be sent to the Lake Arlington Branch. Patrons may select a different location for holds if desired.
In November 2014, Arlington voters approved a five-year, $236 million dollar bond package. Projects included in the package focus on street improvements, Parks & Recreation, Fire Department facilities and City Libraries.
The City offers residents an interactive Bond Tracker website, filtered map, updated stories and videos on construction projects, and complete list of the Capital Budget Planning and Project Sequencing for the 2014 Bond Program here.
Each project will be updated on the website and the City will post stories, videos and pictures of the progress of those projects.
Related articles:
2014 Bond Project Tracker, Bond Program, Support Youth and Families
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