Bid
shortage bogs down library construction
By
Mario Burciaga
Online Forty-Niner
Staff Writer
Nearly two years after being approved by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a general
obligation bond as well as funding provided by the Cal State Long Beach capsule
budget will allow for an addition/renovation project on the University Library.
The $31 million project was propelled by the passing of Proposition 49 in November
2002, which states all California public schools are eligible for an increase
in state grant funds. These funds are available for before- and after-school
programs, providing tutoring, homework assistance and educational enrichment.
Despite the need for a renovation in the library and the funding backed by
Prop. 49 and State approval since July 2005, the lack of contractor bids impeded
the overall progress of the project.
Associate Vice Director of Physical Planning and Facilities Management Scott
Charmack said the task of attaining a bid was so difficult the bidding had
to be postponed twice.
“
We have never worked so hard to get a single bidder,” Charmack said. “It
needs to be understood that stuff doesn’t happen overnight.”
Besides the lack of bids, Charmack said the increased cost in the construction
industry and adjustments of having to bring the funding bonds up to current
codes also were factors in the postponement.
The construction contract for the 18-month project was issued to Kemp Bros.
Contractors, the only company that bid for the project, Charmack said.
The construction, scheduled to start in June and run through December 2007,
will include a Starbucks Internet café, a new 45-foot high single-story
book warehouse located between Academic Services and the multimedia classrooms,
and a complete first floor renovation.
An information commons area consisting of approximately 175 new computer workstations
will also be constructed, as well as a new high-tech classroom and new restrooms
on the first floor. Moderate renovations will also occur on the second, third,
fourth and fifth floors.
Also included in the addition/renovation project are all new university classrooms
and more than 100 new faculty and departmental offices for the College of Education
and the College of Liberal Arts.
Library Associate Dean Henry DuBois thinks highly of the renovations to the
library simply because he feels they are necessary.
“
There are many deficiencies in our current building that opened in 1971,” DuBois
said. “I think the remodel project will promise to bring many improvements
to the library’s services, its appearance and its functionality — improvements
that our students, faculty and customers will welcome and enjoy.”
Charmack said the library will remain open during construction, and it will
be done in sections to avoid obstruction. As for the impact construction will
have on students and faculty, Charmack said there will be some noise and obstacles
but in the long run students will enjoy the new services.
|
