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Gelman Library

View of Gelman Library from outside the Kogan Gate

This transformation of Gelman Library's entrance floor into an attractive, state-of-the-art, student-oriented space began in early 2011 when student groups were invited to provide input for a concept study on renovation options. The cost estimate formed from that concept was approved by the Board of Trustees in May 2011 and design of the space began in summer 2011 and continued through spring 2012. Construction activities began in fall 2012 and were substantially completed in August 2013 before the beginning of the fall semester.

QUICK FACTS

Architect: Cox Graae + Spack Architects
Construction Manager: Donohoe Construction

 

Construction Updates

2013

September 23, 2013 
With work substantially complete on this project, this update will be the last entry for this project - please contact [email protected] if you have additional questions. Work continues on Gelman’s first floor to repurpose the areas occupied formerly by entrance, reference, and circulation desks so as to increase open student space and is expected for completion by November. Minor punch list work will continue throughout the fall semester. Following elevator cab upgrades (new interior finishes and carpeting), upgrades began on equipment and controls and will continue into spring 2014 semester.

September 3, 2013
Work is underway on Gelman’s first floor to repurpose the areas occupied formerly by entrance, reference, and circulation desks so as to increase open student space. Work is substantially complete and will continue into September on the entrance floor and exterior entrance to complete remaining punch list items as well as integration of the building’s new HVAC systems. Elevator cab upgrades are now complete with new interior finishes and carpeting; and will be followed by upgrades to the equipment and controls of each elevator through the end of the semester.

August 19, 2013
The August 10-11 upgrade of HVAC system was successfully completed in time for soft opening on August 12th of the new entrance floor. Coinciding with this was the permanent closure of the previous main entrance to the library on H Street. Renovation and construction work will be underway for several weeks on the first floor to reconfigure the former entry and circulation desk areas.

Work is substantially complete on the new entry stairs, terrace, and pavers on Kogan Plaza as well as new entrance canopy, revolving entry doors, and loading area. Work is also substantially complete on interior items including: ceiling, lighting, millwork paneling, laptop bar, column wood/whiteboard surrounds, carpet, finish paint, furniture and AV installation, doors, cabinetry, and interior/exterior glass storefront.  

July 31, 2013
Project progress continues to be on track for substantial completion by early August with much of the final work progressing as detailed in the July 5, 2013 update.

The Gelman Library will be closed the weekend of August 10-11 for a required power outage related to the upgrade of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. The building will close at 5pm on Friday, August 9th, and re-open on Monday morning, August 12th, at 8 am. Though the air handlers should be operating when the building reopens, temperatures throughout the building may still be elevated on Monday morning due to the power outage.

Also beginning August 12, the current H-street entrance will be closed permanently and all patrons and staff will be directed to use the new entrance off Kogan Plaza, onto the renovated entrance floor. Wheelchair access is located to the left of the stairway leading to the new entrance. 

The first floor will remain open for use until further notice and is accessible via the elevators, center and back stairwells. Please note: Between August 13 and August 25, there will be renovation and construction work underway on this level.

July 19, 2013
Project progress continues to be on track for substantial completion by early August with much of the final work progressing as detailed in the July 5, 2013 update.

July 5, 2013
Project progress continues to be on track for substantial completion by early August. Work on the entrance floor project continues to focus on finalizing exterior work including finishing the new entry stairs, terrace, and pavers on Kogan Plaza to integrate the new exterior features into the existing square. The new entrance canopy, revolving entry doors, and loading area are substantially complete. 

Upcoming exterior work includes continued installation of exterior cast stone, grading the adjoining open space, stainless steel railings, exterior light fixtures, and granite pavers.

Interior recent and upcoming work includes final installation of finishes including: ceiling, lighting, millwork paneling, laptop bar, column wood/whiteboard surrounds, carpet, ceiling tiles, finish paint, doors, cabinetry, and interior/exterior glass storefront. 

Other ongoing activities include installation of power/data connections in the raised floor for furniture, delivering installation of furniture, and installation of AV displays and cabling throughout the new entrance floor.

Penthouse work continues for replacement of air handling units and chillers.

June 24, 2013
Project progress continues to be on track for substantial completion this summer. Work on the entrance floor project continues to focus on finalizing exterior work including finishing the new entry stairs, terrace, and pavers on Kogan Plaza to integrate the new exterior features into the existing square. The new entrance canopy, revolving entry doors, and loading area are substantially complete. Upcoming work includes final concrete pours and continued installation of exterior cast stone, grading the adjoining open space, stainless steel railings, exterior light fixtures, and granite pavers. Interior recent and upcoming work includes continued installation of finishes including: ceiling, lighting, millwork paneling, laptop bar, column wood/whiteboard surrounds, carpet, ceiling tiles, finish paint, doors, cabinetry, and interior/exterior glass storefront. Other ongoing activities include installation of power/data connections in the raised floor for furniture, delivering installation of furniture, and installation of AV displays and cabling throughout the new entrance floor. Penthouse work continues for replacement of air handling units and chillers.

Road Closure Notice June 19, 2013
22nd Street between G & H Streets will be closed beginning apx. 7:00 p.m. for crane to install equipment related to the replacement of chillers in Gelman Library’s HVAC system.

June 10, 2013
Project progress continues to be on track for substantial completion this summer. Work on the entrance floor project continues to focus on finalizing exterior work including finishing the new entry stairs, terrace, canopy, and loading dock, which are substantially complete. Work also continues on Kogan Plaza to integrate the new exterior stair structure and loading dock with work focusing now on the southern section of the area. Upcoming work includes final concrete pours and continued installation of exterior cast stone and salvage/clearing activities for adjoining open space. Interior recent and upcoming work includes continued installation of finishes including: ceiling, lighting, millwork paneling, laptop bar, column surrounds, carpet, ceiling tiles, finish paint, doors, cabinetry, entrance curtain wall, and revolving entry doors. Other ongoing activities include installation of power/data connections in the raised floor and finalization of furniture as well as audio-visual equipment. Penthouse work continues for replacement of air handling units and chillers.

May 31, 2013
Project progress continues to be on track for substantial completion this summer. Work on the entrance floor project continues to focus on finalizing exterior work including finishing the new entry stairs, terrace, canopy, and loading dock, which are substantially complete. Work also continues on Kogan Plaza to integrate the new exterior stair structure and loading dock with work focusing now on the southern section of the area. Upcoming work includes final concrete pours and continued installation of exterior cast stone and salvage/clearing activities for adjoining open space. Interior recent and upcoming work includes continued installation of finishes including: ceiling, lighting, millwork paneling, laptop bar, column surrounds, carpet, ceiling tiles, finish paint, doors, cabinetry, entrance curtain wall, and revolving entry doors. Other ongoing activities include installation of power/data connections in the raised floor and finalization of furniture as well as audio-visual equipment. Penthouse work continues for replacement of air handling units and chillers.

May 15, 2013
Work on the entrance floor project continues to focus on finalizing exterior work including new entry stairs, terrace, new loading dock, and work on Kogan Plaza to integrate the new exterior stair structure and loading dock area. Upcoming work includes final concrete pours and installation of exterior cast stone and salvage/clearing activities for adjoining open space. Interior recent and upcoming work includes continued installation of ceiling, lighting, millwork, laptop bar, and column surrounds as well as installation of carpet, ceiling tiles, finish paint, plumbing fixtures, cabinetry details, and entrance curtain wall. Other ongoing activities include installation of bathroom tile and power/data connections in the raised floor; core drilling for the new turnstiles and some other seating areas; continuation of prime painting, and finalization of furniture and audio-visual equipment. Penthouse work continues for replacement of air handling units and chillers.

May 1, 2013
Work associated with the emergency replacement of Gelman Library's HVAC system that required above average interior noise during late night hours is substantially completed but may require periodic periods of additional work which will be coordinated with Gelman staff. Also, this work will require a closure of 22nd Street (between G and H Streets) on two Saturdays (May 4 and May 11) for equipment delivery needed to install the replacement HVAC system. 

Work on the entrance floor project continues to focus on finalizing exterior work including new entry stairs, terrace, new loading dock, and work on Kogan Plaza to integrate the new exterior stair structure and loading dock area. Upcoming work includes final concrete pours and installation of exterior cast stone and salvage/clearing activities for adjoining open space. Interior recent and upcoming work includes continued installation of ceiling, lighting, millwork, laptop bar, and column surrounds. Other ongoing activities include installation of bathroom tile and power/data connections in the raised floor; core drilling for the new turnstiles and some other seating areas; continuation of prime painting, and finalization of furniture and audio-visual equipment. Penthouse work continues for replacement of air handling units and chillers.

April 25, 2013/Street Closure Announcement
Work associated with the emergency replacement of Gelman Library's HVAC system will include some above average interior noise during late night hours. This work is being coordinated with Gelman staff to occur late at night so as to minimize noise impacts on library users and have this work completed in advance of upcoming final exams period.

This will also require a closure of 22nd Street (between G and H Streets) on three Saturdays (April 27, May 4, and May 11) for equipment delivery needed to install the replacement HVAC system. While not anticipated to take more than a day, please note that any uncompleted work on the first Saturday will be completed the next day (April 28).

April 15, 2013
Since construction has progressed so that the wooden project perimeter fence is now ready for removal on Monday April 22, university staff are coordinating with student organizers to facilitate completion of the temporary special student activity, the "Before I Die” Wall. The university has been pleased to work with students on this activity and looks forward to future collaborations similar in nature.

Construction continues to focus on finalizing exterior work including new entry stairs, terrace, new loading dock, and work on Kogan Plaza to integrate the new exterior stair structure and loading dock area. Upcoming work includes final concrete pours and installation of exterior cast stone and salvage/clearing activities for adjoining open space. Interior recent and upcoming work includes continued installation of ceiling, lighting, millwork, laptop bar, and column surrounds. Other ongoing activities include installation of bathroom tile and power/data connections in the raised floor; core drilling for the new turnstiles and some other seating areas; continuation of prime painting, and finalization of furniture and audio-visual equipment. Penthouse work continues for replacement of air handling units and chillers.

April 1, 2013
Construction continues to focus on finalizing exterior work including new entry stairs, terrace, new loading dock, and work on Kogan Plaza to integrate the new exterior stair structure and loading dock area. Upcoming work includes final concrete pours and installation of exterior cast stone and structural supports for the new canopy.

Interior recent and upcoming work includes: completion of raised floor and ceiling installation; initial installation of millwork prep and blocking for the laptop bar and other elements; continued installation of grid for ceiling tiles and bathroom tiles as well as further installation of power and data to the raised floor; core drilling for the new turnstiles and some other seating areas; continuation of prime painting, and; ongoing selection of furniture and audio-visual equipment.

March 15, 2013
To allow for a crane to be on-site and install new rooftop air handler units associated with this project, 22nd Street between G and H Streets will be closed on Saturday March 16, 2013. Construction continues to focus on finalizing exterior work including new entry stairs, terrace, new loading dock, and work on Kogan Plaza to integrate this new structure. Interior work includes continued closing of walls and ceilings. Interior glass storefront systems, ceiling grid, voice/data cabling, raised flooring, and paint priming activities have begun. Selection of furniture and audio-visual equipment is nearing completion.

February 15, 2013
To allow for a crane to be on-site and install new rooftop air handler units associated with this project, 22nd Street between G and H Streets will be closed on Saturday February 16, 2013. Construction continues to focus on finalizing exterior work including new entry stairs and work on Kogan Plaza to integrate this new structure. Interior work includes continued closing of walls and ceilings. In coming weeks, interior work will transition from the infrastructure phase to finishes such as glass, ceiling tiles, and raised flooring. Selection of furniture and audio-visual equipment is nearing completion.

January 31, 2013
Current and upcoming interior work includes: continued progress on utility installations, including fit out of electrical closets and piping of chilled beam mechanical units; in wall partition blocking and hanging drywall partitions; installation of wall and ceiling recessed lights, and; continuation of core drilling on floor 2 slab. Current and upcoming exterior work includes: salvaging of pre-cast structures in Kogan Plaza being removed to allow access to new entry staircase as well as selected demolition of existing walls to be relocated and precast façade at existing loading dock entrance; continued framing, rebar and concrete pours for new entry stairs, ADA accessible ramp, and deck as well as mechanical, electrical, and plumbing item. And, work in penthouse includes continued prep work on air handler units.

January 17, 2013
Current and upcoming interior work includes: continued progress on utility installations, including fit out of electrical closets and piping of chilled beam mechanical units; in wall partition blocking and hanging drywall partitions; framing sills at storefront; installation of wall and ceiling recessed lights, and; core drilling on floor 2 slab. Current and upcoming exterior work includes: salvaging of pre-cast structures in Kogan Plaza being removed to allow access to new entry staircase as well as selected demolition; complete framing rebar and install mechanical, electrical, and plumbing items related to new entry deck.

Note 1: Project staff have worked with GW administrators and student organizers to facilitate use of the project’s wooden perimeter fence (facing Kogan Plaza) as the site for the upcoming special student activity, the "Before I Die” Wall. 

Note 2: Per government regulations related to the President’s Inauguration, work will not occur on this or other GW construction sites on Monday, January 21, 2013.

January 8, 2013
Interior work includes continued installation of chilled beams and electrical fittings as well as drywall partitions. The remaining interior existing walls on the second floor (future new entrance floor) will be demolished in coming weeks. Work continues on pipe testing, connections to existing systems and utilities, and installation of ducts, pipes and partitions.  Exterior work includes installation during the next week of a 6’ high fence and green screen to partition off additional work areas needed to integrate Kogan Plaza landscaping and pre-cast concrete structures into new entry stair plaza. Work continues on installation of exterior foundation concrete and reinforcement, as well as installation of exterior foundation waterproofing, and under slab drainage plumbing/electrical work. Research and preparation work continues on replacement of air handler units in mechanical penthouse. 

2012

December 11, 2012
During the final exams period (December 12-21, 2012), there will be no interior noise-intensive activities for drilling of mechanical/electrical/plumbing anchors and noise related to all other work will be kept to a minimum. Also, no work will occur on Saturday, December 15 to accommodate final exam schedule for students. These activities will resume on December 22 and continue at all times through the end of winter break on January 11, 2013 (please check gelman.gwu.edu for Gelman’s abbreviated hours of operation during winter break). Additionally there will be building-wide power outages after operating hours beginning December 22 and will continue for approximately a week. These activities are being coordinated with Gelman staff to ensure all building users are aware of this.

Work continues on pipe testing, connections to existing systems and utilities, and installation of ducts, pipes and partitions. Research and preparation work continues on replacement of air handler units in mechanical penthouse. Exterior work includes continued installation of exterior foundation concrete and reinforcement, as well as installation of exterior foundation waterproofing, and under slab drainage plumbing/electrical work.

Unless otherwise needed, the next update for this project will occur the first week of January 2013.

November 28, 2012
Interior noise-intensive activities for drilling of mechanical/electrical/plumbing anchors continue to be limited to the hours between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. until GW’s final exams period which begins with reading day on December 12, 2012 and concludes December 20. Work continues on installation of new mechanical piping and ductwork, electrical rough-in, framing of interior partition walls, hard ceiling framing, and the start of drywall installation. Work continues on first floor ceiling plumbing connections for second floor bathrooms. Research and preparation work is underway on replacement of air handler units in mechanical penthouse. Exterior work includes installation of exterior foundation concrete and reinforcement, as well as installation of exterior foundation waterproofing, and under slab drainage plumbing/electrical work.

November 15, 2012
Interior noise-intensive activities for drilling of mechanical/electrical/plumbing anchors continue to be limited to the hours between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. for the near future. Work continues on installation of new mechanical piping and ductwork, electrical rough-in, framing of interior partition walls, and hard ceiling framing. New interior work will include first floor ceiling plumbing connections for second floor bathrooms. 
Exterior work includes continued drilling and installation of micro piles as well as continued removal of sidewalk planter and pre cast column adjacent project site. New exterior work will include the start of concrete and waterproofing activities.

November 1, 2012
Interior noise-intensive activities for drilling of mechanical/electrical/plumbing anchors continue to be limited to the hours between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. for the near future. Work continues on installation of new mechanical piping and ductwork, framing of interior partition walls, and hard ceiling framing. 
Exterior work includes continued drilling and installation of micro piles as well as continued removal of sidewalk planter and pre cast column adjacent project site.

October 18, 2012
Interior noise-intensive activities for drilling of mechanical/electrical/plumbing anchors continue to be limited to the hours between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. for the near future. Initial framing has begun on partition walls. Excavation continues on exterior foundation. Removal of sidewalk planter and pre cast column adjacent project site is scheduled for next week.

October 1, 2012
Interior noise-intensive activities will be limited to the hours between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. Gelman’s temporary loading dock is complete with the entrance located on the south side of the building. Vehicle access to the new entrance is via the temporary driveway just west of Lisner Auditorium. The temporary loading dock is accessed by entering the temporary driveway on H Street and making first right into the alley at the end of the construction fence and proceeding approximately 20 feet to new delivery entrance door on the right. A Donohoe Construction Company worker will be on site to direct delivery vehicles to the new entrance. For additional information, contact Willis Little, 202-689-9408 (cell). Again, thank you for your patience as we transform Gelman Library. Please share feedback or concerns by emailing [email protected].

September 12, 2012
Thank you for your patience during recent work to demolish the current loading dock which is anticipated to be completed by September 17, 2012 (increased noise and vibrations will intermittently occur during this work). Following demolition of loading dock, interior noise-intensive activities will be limited to the hours between 4am and 7am. Again, thank you for your patience as we transform Gelman Library. Remember, if you would like to provide us with feedback or concerns, email us at [email protected].

 

Fact Sheet

Gelman Library Fact Sheet (.pdf)

Gelman Library News