On Wednesday, January 16, 2013, the architecturally stunning Georgetown Branch re-opened to the public. People were amazed by the the amount of natural light, the range of comfortable seating and the 'special spaces' from the funky teen lounge, the quiet study rooms and the cozy fireside reading area to the whimsical preschooler area. There is a space for everyone! And of course, the Library continues to offer excellent resources from bestsellers and movies to ebooks and pre-loaded e-readers.
Our statistics say it all...in our first 12 days of opening, we circulated as much material as we did the entire month of January 2012!
We are very excited and extremely proud of our renewed Georgetown Branch and we sincerely thank the Town of Halton Hills for their tremendous support, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for their funding, and our many generous donors.
If you want to help us make this Library a truly exceptional facility, please consider the many giving opportunities available through our "Per Chance to Dream" campaign. Please follow this link to learn more:
http://www.haltonhills.ca/dream/
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Monday, September 10, 2012
Exterior Nearing Completion
Now that the window frames are in place, the glass installation has begun. Many of the square side windows are complete and work continues on the installation of glass in the large feature windows. This gets the project very close to complete enclosure. Here are a few more details of what to expect in fall:
Exterior Work/Roofing
The exterior work is progressing well with stucco and stone cladding nearly complete. This façade treatment is a nice complement with the Church. The flat portions of the roof have been completed and the peaked sections are expected to be done in the coming weeks.
Interior Work
Interior work has been started in the south-east 3-storey portion of the building as roof work was completed over this section first. Steel studs, electrical rough-in and data/security units have been installed. Drywall should be completed soon. Interior work will then progress through the building and out towards the main entrance.
Furniture, Flooring and Shelves
The selection of furniture for the branch should be completed soon. Flooring treatments have been selected and Library staff have been working on the shelving layout required.
Inside Peak
The Thursday, August 9th edition of the Georgetown Independent featured a full page story on the Georgetown Branch construction project. See the newspapers website for some interior constructions photos at http://www.theifp.ca/.
Looking Ahead
Landscaping will begin in September and October. We remain on schedule with the move from the temporary site planned for December, and the opening of the building in January.
Now that the window frames are in place, the glass installation has begun. Many of the square side windows are complete and work continues on the installation of glass in the large feature windows. This gets the project very close to complete enclosure. Here are a few more details of what to expect in fall:
Exterior Work/Roofing
The exterior work is progressing well with stucco and stone cladding nearly complete. This façade treatment is a nice complement with the Church. The flat portions of the roof have been completed and the peaked sections are expected to be done in the coming weeks.
Interior Work
Interior work has been started in the south-east 3-storey portion of the building as roof work was completed over this section first. Steel studs, electrical rough-in and data/security units have been installed. Drywall should be completed soon. Interior work will then progress through the building and out towards the main entrance.
Furniture, Flooring and Shelves
The selection of furniture for the branch should be completed soon. Flooring treatments have been selected and Library staff have been working on the shelving layout required.
Inside Peak
The Thursday, August 9th edition of the Georgetown Independent featured a full page story on the Georgetown Branch construction project. See the newspapers website for some interior constructions photos at http://www.theifp.ca/.
Looking Ahead
Landscaping will begin in September and October. We remain on schedule with the move from the temporary site planned for December, and the opening of the building in January.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Enclosure Just Around the Corner
With the concrete pours done, the next significant developments will be completion of the exterior walls and installation of the roofing and windows, with enclosure of the building by the end of the summer. This milestone will pave the way for the interior work to begin. Here are a few more details of what to expect in the coming months:
Exterior Work/Roofing
Masonry/stucco will be completed on the front of the building over the summer. Metal roofing on the peaks will be completed by the end of summer.
Window Installation
Windows will be installed over the next few months beginning with the large Church Street atrium window and then continuing along the Market Street side of the building.
Interior Work
Work on the inside of the building will involve the installation and dry walling of the interior walls, followed by the laying of carpet and floor tiles.
New YouTube Videos
A series of new YouTube videos have been uploaded to the Library’s YouTube channel (accessible from the home page of the Library website – www.hhpl.on.ca) highlighting the design, layout and added features of the renewed Georgetown Branch. Each video runs about two minutes and gives you a great overview of what you can look forward to when the doors re-open in January 2013. You can check out all of the videos or you can select individual videos that are of particular interest. Topics include:
-Overview of the new features of the Georgetown Branch
-New vision for the Georgetown Branch
-New features of the Circulation desk
-Local History Room
-Adult programs and services
-Environmental features
-Interior decor
-Children's area
-Teen Lounge
-Seniors' Lounge and Accessibility
Looking Ahead
We are still on schedule, with the move from the temporary site planned for December, and the opening of the building in early January.
With the concrete pours done, the next significant developments will be completion of the exterior walls and installation of the roofing and windows, with enclosure of the building by the end of the summer. This milestone will pave the way for the interior work to begin. Here are a few more details of what to expect in the coming months:
Exterior Work/Roofing
Masonry/stucco will be completed on the front of the building over the summer. Metal roofing on the peaks will be completed by the end of summer.
Window Installation
Windows will be installed over the next few months beginning with the large Church Street atrium window and then continuing along the Market Street side of the building.
Interior Work
Work on the inside of the building will involve the installation and dry walling of the interior walls, followed by the laying of carpet and floor tiles.
New YouTube Videos
A series of new YouTube videos have been uploaded to the Library’s YouTube channel (accessible from the home page of the Library website – www.hhpl.on.ca) highlighting the design, layout and added features of the renewed Georgetown Branch. Each video runs about two minutes and gives you a great overview of what you can look forward to when the doors re-open in January 2013. You can check out all of the videos or you can select individual videos that are of particular interest. Topics include:
-Overview of the new features of the Georgetown Branch
-New vision for the Georgetown Branch
-New features of the Circulation desk
-Local History Room
-Adult programs and services
-Environmental features
-Interior decor
-Children's area
-Teen Lounge
-Seniors' Lounge and Accessibility
Looking Ahead
We are still on schedule, with the move from the temporary site planned for December, and the opening of the building in early January.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Spring Brings Steel, Concrete and More
The very warm spring weather we have been enjoying has brought the added benefit of keeping us to our construction project schedule. Very soon we will see the completion of structural steel, masonry work and the concrete flooring. Here are a few more details of what to expect in the coming months:
Structural Steel
The installation of structural steel is underway and will be completed by the end of March. This work includes the addition of metal decking on the elevated floors and roof areas and heavy gauge metal studs along the east elevation facing Main Street. Metal scissor trusses are currently being installed.
Masonry Work
Masonry work will begin along the east elevation at the end of March, following the enclosure of the new elevator shaft in the centre of the building.
Interior Floor Concrete Floor Pours
Four separate days of pouring the concrete floors will be scheduled sometime from the middle of March to the end of April. The pouring and curing of concrete is weather dependent and timing may vary. Given the amount of concrete required, there will be increased truck traffic on these pouring days. In addition, gas powered concrete finishing machines will be used while the concrete is setting, which may require the finishers to work well into the evening. The Melloul-Blamey crew will do all that they can to work quickly and mitigate any disturbance caused by this work.
Looking Ahead
A snapshot of the construction highlights we can look forward to in the months ahead:
• Interior partitions will begin in April
• Floor and roof decking will be completed by the end of May
• Window installation will begin in June
• Exterior wall framing will be completed by the end of June
• Exterior stucco will start at the beginning of August
• Roofing will be completed by the middle of September
• Exterior landscaping will begin in the middle of September
• Soft landscaping (plantings) will follow in October
• Interior finishes will be completed in November/December
• Commissioning and a review for LEED certification will take place in December
• Grand opening in January 2013
Landscaping Plans
The Town’s landscape architects have developed a beautiful landscaping concept that will complement and enhance the new facility while also allowing for some functional outdoor space. Accented by stone seat walls and planters, paving stones, low groundcover with ornamental flowering trees and areas for public art displays, it will become a lovely outdoor space for everyone to enjoy. As indicated in the construction highlights above, hard landscaping (pavers, seating, etc) will be constructed in September with soft landscaping (plantings) following in October.
The very warm spring weather we have been enjoying has brought the added benefit of keeping us to our construction project schedule. Very soon we will see the completion of structural steel, masonry work and the concrete flooring. Here are a few more details of what to expect in the coming months:
Structural Steel
The installation of structural steel is underway and will be completed by the end of March. This work includes the addition of metal decking on the elevated floors and roof areas and heavy gauge metal studs along the east elevation facing Main Street. Metal scissor trusses are currently being installed.
Masonry Work
Masonry work will begin along the east elevation at the end of March, following the enclosure of the new elevator shaft in the centre of the building.
Interior Floor Concrete Floor Pours
Four separate days of pouring the concrete floors will be scheduled sometime from the middle of March to the end of April. The pouring and curing of concrete is weather dependent and timing may vary. Given the amount of concrete required, there will be increased truck traffic on these pouring days. In addition, gas powered concrete finishing machines will be used while the concrete is setting, which may require the finishers to work well into the evening. The Melloul-Blamey crew will do all that they can to work quickly and mitigate any disturbance caused by this work.
Looking Ahead
A snapshot of the construction highlights we can look forward to in the months ahead:
• Interior partitions will begin in April
• Floor and roof decking will be completed by the end of May
• Window installation will begin in June
• Exterior wall framing will be completed by the end of June
• Exterior stucco will start at the beginning of August
• Roofing will be completed by the middle of September
• Exterior landscaping will begin in the middle of September
• Soft landscaping (plantings) will follow in October
• Interior finishes will be completed in November/December
• Commissioning and a review for LEED certification will take place in December
• Grand opening in January 2013
Landscaping Plans
The Town’s landscape architects have developed a beautiful landscaping concept that will complement and enhance the new facility while also allowing for some functional outdoor space. Accented by stone seat walls and planters, paving stones, low groundcover with ornamental flowering trees and areas for public art displays, it will become a lovely outdoor space for everyone to enjoy. As indicated in the construction highlights above, hard landscaping (pavers, seating, etc) will be constructed in September with soft landscaping (plantings) following in October.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Designer Guys a Hit!
Chamberlain Architect Services Limited Founder and President, Brian Chamberlain, Vice President and Project Architect, John Knox and Designer and Project Coordinator, Kyle Nichols presented the floor plans and interior design features for the renewed Georgetown Branch and Cultural Centre during a public presentation in the Town Council Chambers on February 9th.
Chamberlain, Knox and Nichols guided the public through the layout of the building, highlighting the colour scheme, carpeting, finishes, and furnishings. At a reception following the presentation, design boards and floor plans were available for the public to take a closer look. Members of the Georgetown Branch Planning Committee, construction representatives from Melloul Blamey, and Library staff were on hand to answer questions.
“These design plans show what a truly remarkable facility this will be and how it will be a tremendous asset that will contribute to the vibrancy of our downtown in Georgetown,” said Mayor Bonnette.
Library staff have been significantly involved in the planning of the building. Meeting regularly as a “Form Meets Function Committee”, staff have indicated, from their experience, what is needed in the space to best serve patrons of all ages and abilities. Staff input combined with public consultation formed the basis for the layout and design of the fully accessible and environmentally friendly building.
Much like the new Acton Branch (also designed by Knox and Nichols), the Georgetown Branch interior design echoes the natural setting that defines Halton Hills. The blues, greens and deep plums used throughout the interior combined with the extensive use of natural light, stone and wood echo the landscape of the surrounding area.
“There is a great sense of ‘bringing the outside in’ throughout our plans for this building,” remarked Project Architect, John Knox. “Halton Hills is blessed with an idyllic geography – the winding Credit River, the Bruce Trail, the rolling hills of the Niagara Escarpment, rural farmland and greenbelt. We wanted to express that important connection to nature within this building.”
Beyond the aesthetic appeal of the renewed structure, the Library will serve to greatly enrich the lives of the Halton Hills community. Much more than simply a cultural institution, the Library will be a vital community resource for everyone. Significant social benefits associated with the new facility will include:
• Employment resources - For the unemployed and under-employed by providing free internet access, resume assistance and job search support through expanded community partnership programs and space-sharing arrangements with the Centre for Skills Development and Literacy North Halton,
• Full accessibility - For those using wheelchairs, walkers and strollers by providing barrier-free access to the physical building combined with the latest advancements in assistive technology for those needing greater visual, auditory or dexterity support to enjoy library materials,
• Economic development – For small business owners and entrepreneurs by providing vital resources such as online databases on market trends and information on relevant legislation,
• Affordable entertainment - For families-on-a-budget by providing greater access to new release DVDs, CDs, video games and best-selling books,
• New technologies – By providing e-Reader and e-Book lending programs, free Wi-Fi, free internet stations and “Technology Made Simple” programs to encourage the trial of new electronic equipment,
• Quality programming for beginning readers - For young learners by providing greater opportunities to participate in Library programs which support early literacy development in a dedicated children’s space,
• Cozy seniors lounge – For older adults by providing a comfortable social setting equipped with large-print books, audiobooks collections and special interest programming,
• Safe youth space - For youth by providing conversation space for collaborative school projects and social interaction, wireless internet access, connectivity for laptops and quiet study corners,
• Increased volunteer opportunities - For youth and older adults, to engage in the local community through meaningful work,
• Environmental Leadership – For the community by using energy efficient lighting systems, geothermal heating and cooling, water efficient fixtures, low VOC paints and carpeting, to name only a few of the environmental efforts made in the design and construction of the building. The Library and Cultural Centre will be applying for a Silver Level of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification upon the building’s completion.
• Homework help – For students of all ages by providing greater access to added resources, tutoring space and specialist support,
• Preservation of the heritage, history and uniqueness of Halton Hills - For genealogists and local history enthusiasts by providing a dedicated Local History room and expanded areas for historic collections, thanks to the generous support of the Georgetown Homecoming Committee. Many of the items in the collection have made been made available through a partnership with the Esquesing Historical Society and the Ontario Genealogical Society- Halton-Peel.
• Community meeting space – For community groups by providing well appointed and accessible space for meetings.
It will be a library that the community can be proud of, and that will give back in many ways to many people for many years to come.
Chamberlain Architect Services Limited Founder and President, Brian Chamberlain, Vice President and Project Architect, John Knox and Designer and Project Coordinator, Kyle Nichols presented the floor plans and interior design features for the renewed Georgetown Branch and Cultural Centre during a public presentation in the Town Council Chambers on February 9th.
Chamberlain, Knox and Nichols guided the public through the layout of the building, highlighting the colour scheme, carpeting, finishes, and furnishings. At a reception following the presentation, design boards and floor plans were available for the public to take a closer look. Members of the Georgetown Branch Planning Committee, construction representatives from Melloul Blamey, and Library staff were on hand to answer questions.
“These design plans show what a truly remarkable facility this will be and how it will be a tremendous asset that will contribute to the vibrancy of our downtown in Georgetown,” said Mayor Bonnette.
Library staff have been significantly involved in the planning of the building. Meeting regularly as a “Form Meets Function Committee”, staff have indicated, from their experience, what is needed in the space to best serve patrons of all ages and abilities. Staff input combined with public consultation formed the basis for the layout and design of the fully accessible and environmentally friendly building.
Much like the new Acton Branch (also designed by Knox and Nichols), the Georgetown Branch interior design echoes the natural setting that defines Halton Hills. The blues, greens and deep plums used throughout the interior combined with the extensive use of natural light, stone and wood echo the landscape of the surrounding area.
“There is a great sense of ‘bringing the outside in’ throughout our plans for this building,” remarked Project Architect, John Knox. “Halton Hills is blessed with an idyllic geography – the winding Credit River, the Bruce Trail, the rolling hills of the Niagara Escarpment, rural farmland and greenbelt. We wanted to express that important connection to nature within this building.”
Beyond the aesthetic appeal of the renewed structure, the Library will serve to greatly enrich the lives of the Halton Hills community. Much more than simply a cultural institution, the Library will be a vital community resource for everyone. Significant social benefits associated with the new facility will include:
• Employment resources - For the unemployed and under-employed by providing free internet access, resume assistance and job search support through expanded community partnership programs and space-sharing arrangements with the Centre for Skills Development and Literacy North Halton,
• Full accessibility - For those using wheelchairs, walkers and strollers by providing barrier-free access to the physical building combined with the latest advancements in assistive technology for those needing greater visual, auditory or dexterity support to enjoy library materials,
• Economic development – For small business owners and entrepreneurs by providing vital resources such as online databases on market trends and information on relevant legislation,
• Affordable entertainment - For families-on-a-budget by providing greater access to new release DVDs, CDs, video games and best-selling books,
• New technologies – By providing e-Reader and e-Book lending programs, free Wi-Fi, free internet stations and “Technology Made Simple” programs to encourage the trial of new electronic equipment,
• Quality programming for beginning readers - For young learners by providing greater opportunities to participate in Library programs which support early literacy development in a dedicated children’s space,
• Cozy seniors lounge – For older adults by providing a comfortable social setting equipped with large-print books, audiobooks collections and special interest programming,
• Safe youth space - For youth by providing conversation space for collaborative school projects and social interaction, wireless internet access, connectivity for laptops and quiet study corners,
• Increased volunteer opportunities - For youth and older adults, to engage in the local community through meaningful work,
• Environmental Leadership – For the community by using energy efficient lighting systems, geothermal heating and cooling, water efficient fixtures, low VOC paints and carpeting, to name only a few of the environmental efforts made in the design and construction of the building. The Library and Cultural Centre will be applying for a Silver Level of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification upon the building’s completion.
• Homework help – For students of all ages by providing greater access to added resources, tutoring space and specialist support,
• Preservation of the heritage, history and uniqueness of Halton Hills - For genealogists and local history enthusiasts by providing a dedicated Local History room and expanded areas for historic collections, thanks to the generous support of the Georgetown Homecoming Committee. Many of the items in the collection have made been made available through a partnership with the Esquesing Historical Society and the Ontario Genealogical Society- Halton-Peel.
• Community meeting space – For community groups by providing well appointed and accessible space for meetings.
It will be a library that the community can be proud of, and that will give back in many ways to many people for many years to come.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
An Exciting Year Ahead!
Construction at the Georgetown Branch proceeds at a steady pace although the crew has been hampered by the damp weather, which has led to some very soggy soil conditions. The foundations for the extensions have been laid around the front (north), east and south sides and we can now imagine the shape of this spectacular facility. Staff have shifted their focus from the exterior design to confirmation of the interior design including the millwork (wooden pieces that are custom-made), paint colours, floor treatments, and furnishings. Residents will have a chance to share in the excitement when the detailed interior design is revealed on February 9th at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Civic Centre. In attendance will be the architects and staff who will be able to describe the many service improvements resulting from the re-construction and expansion. These include:
- room to house a greater variety of material
- more comfortable study, reading and conversation spaces
- more spacious, better appointed programming rooms
- more Internet stations
- a seniors' lounge
- a local history room
- small group study rooms
- and courtesy of the Friends of the Library, a double-sided fireplace
In addition, the facility will be universally accessible and will incorporate state-of-the-art 'green technology'.
We expect to take possession of the expanded Georgetown Branch in December 2012 but much will depend on the winter weather.
Construction at the Georgetown Branch proceeds at a steady pace although the crew has been hampered by the damp weather, which has led to some very soggy soil conditions. The foundations for the extensions have been laid around the front (north), east and south sides and we can now imagine the shape of this spectacular facility. Staff have shifted their focus from the exterior design to confirmation of the interior design including the millwork (wooden pieces that are custom-made), paint colours, floor treatments, and furnishings. Residents will have a chance to share in the excitement when the detailed interior design is revealed on February 9th at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Civic Centre. In attendance will be the architects and staff who will be able to describe the many service improvements resulting from the re-construction and expansion. These include:
- room to house a greater variety of material
- more comfortable study, reading and conversation spaces
- more spacious, better appointed programming rooms
- more Internet stations
- a seniors' lounge
- a local history room
- small group study rooms
- and courtesy of the Friends of the Library, a double-sided fireplace
In addition, the facility will be universally accessible and will incorporate state-of-the-art 'green technology'.
We expect to take possession of the expanded Georgetown Branch in December 2012 but much will depend on the winter weather.
Monday, October 31, 2011
A Time of Great Change
Construction continues at breakneck speed as the Melloul-Blamey crew try to get as much done before the snow flies. Its hard to recognize the old Georgetown Library/Cultural Centre with just its bones showing!
The geothermal drilling is almost completed, along with demolition around the old loading dock area and the Church St entrance. Foundation walls will start on the east side (where the adult lounge area is to be located), with the crew working towards Market Street. All utility services will also be brought in from the Market Street side into the existing structure. In November, we will start to see foundations and steel where the Community Meeting Room used to be (which below will now have the washrooms for the Theatre). After the steel is erected in January/February, we can look forward to seeing the installation of the roof decking. This will be followed by the steel studs in preparation for the walls going up.
Audrey Holt, our Marketing/Communications Coordinator has been busy organizing atrwork which will be mounted on the hoarding on the Church St. side of the property. Eleven groups and twelve individuals will be submitting a painting on a panel of wood that in some way represents what the Library/Cultural Centre means to them. Before mounting, each panel will be covered with marine-quality varnish to protect it from the elements. Audrey will be receiving these panels up to the November 10th deadline. She has arranged to photograph each piece so it can be showcased on our website and if necessary,serve as a reasonable facsimile in case any piece gets damaged beyond repair. The idea is to have a ‘grand reveal’ of the beautified hoarding at the end of November, to which Members of Council, neighbours, staff and the press will be invited. If you have any questions about the community artwork project, please contact Audrey at Audrey.Holt@haltonhills.ca.
Construction continues at breakneck speed as the Melloul-Blamey crew try to get as much done before the snow flies. Its hard to recognize the old Georgetown Library/Cultural Centre with just its bones showing!
The geothermal drilling is almost completed, along with demolition around the old loading dock area and the Church St entrance. Foundation walls will start on the east side (where the adult lounge area is to be located), with the crew working towards Market Street. All utility services will also be brought in from the Market Street side into the existing structure. In November, we will start to see foundations and steel where the Community Meeting Room used to be (which below will now have the washrooms for the Theatre). After the steel is erected in January/February, we can look forward to seeing the installation of the roof decking. This will be followed by the steel studs in preparation for the walls going up.
Audrey Holt, our Marketing/Communications Coordinator has been busy organizing atrwork which will be mounted on the hoarding on the Church St. side of the property. Eleven groups and twelve individuals will be submitting a painting on a panel of wood that in some way represents what the Library/Cultural Centre means to them. Before mounting, each panel will be covered with marine-quality varnish to protect it from the elements. Audrey will be receiving these panels up to the November 10th deadline. She has arranged to photograph each piece so it can be showcased on our website and if necessary,serve as a reasonable facsimile in case any piece gets damaged beyond repair. The idea is to have a ‘grand reveal’ of the beautified hoarding at the end of November, to which Members of Council, neighbours, staff and the press will be invited. If you have any questions about the community artwork project, please contact Audrey at Audrey.Holt@haltonhills.ca.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
