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Library Statement on the Status of the Central Library Project

Library News & Announcements RSS Feed June 30, 2004

The Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library Board of Trustees and its Project Staff are moving expeditiously in the planning and commencement of necessary repairs to the parking garage of the Central Library Project. This is a complicated project, and the Library has been diligently working to analyze all pertinent information before taking action or making public statements about the repairs, the projected timetable, or costs. Indeed, until the repair process is well underway, the extent of correction will not be known, nor will the impact on project schedule or budget.

Over the past three (3) months, the Library has been working with independent concrete and structural engineering experts to determine the scope of the problems and identify the steps to correct them. The contractors, subcontractors, engineers and multiple other parties have been examining the work of the experts, reviewing thousands of pages of records, inspections, reports and other materials. In addition, the following has been accomplished to date:

  • Repair plans have been prepared
  • Repair specifications have been prepared
  • Repair drawings have been completed
  • A qualified repair contractor has been identified and engaged

Shook, LLC, the contractor responsible for the garage's construction, has elected to honor certain contractual commitments by executing a directive issued by the Library Delivery Team Construction Manager, Turner Trotter Shiel Sexton, which requires Shook to commence and complete repairs, an action which paves the way for construction to recommence in the very near future. All involved parties are meeting this week to finalize repair plans. While an exact start date is yet to be determined, the repairs should begin within the next 2-3 weeks. Shook is engaging Structural Preservation Systems for the repairs.

Regarding Shook's decision recently to file suit against the Library, the Library cannot comment on Shook's intent or the specifics of the allegations. We remain focused on completion of the project. We do believe that litigation is unfortunate at this juncture, as it further complicates an already difficult situation.

The Library Board and staff assure the public that the parking garage will be properly repaired and constructed. The Library will also aggressively pursue the recovery of all related damages and costs from all responsible parties. We will not shield those responsible once the Library has determined the nature and extent of the problems, and which parties are at fault. Nor will we rush to judgment, and in doing so, irresponsibly levy unsubstantiated charges.

The Library will continue to be conscientious, deliberate and thorough in its investigation of the problems and the determination of responsibility. Rest assured, we have the public trust and duty foremost in mind. We remain steadfast in our pledge to protect the investment the taxpayers and our many donors have made to this project. The Library Project Team remains fully committed to the completion and delivery of a well designed and constructed facility which will be an enduring landmark, and will serve Indianapolis residents well through the 21st Century.