An update on the progress of the redevelopment of the Takoma Park Library and Community Center has been provided by city officials.
To date, most of the work on the Library and Community Center Redevelopment Project has been undertaken within and on the existing facilities, including:
- removal and storage of solar panels,
- disconnection of gas and water utilities at the construction site,
- interior demolition; and
- to ensure its preservation, the mosaic has been carefully removed and stored for reinstallation on the new building’s façade.
To ensure continuity of service during construction, the Library and Computer Center were relocated last October to 7505 New Hampshire Ave.
Groundbreaking for exterior demolition has been delayed due to a backlog within the county’s Department of Permitting Services, and this is not indicative of any issues or problems with the plans. Efforts are being made by the city to expedite this process, officials said.
All other permits will become effective once the general building permit has been issued. As the final step in the permitting process, things will move much more quickly once this hurdle has been cleared.
As part of the project, fencing will be extended around the perimeter of the site beginning April 27th. According to officials, the additional fencing will facilitate the achievement of two objectives: procurement will be expedited with the addition of storage space for building materials, and cost savings will be achieved since off-site storage is considerably more expensive.
Parking will not be affected by the extension of the fencing perimeter, officials said.
City of Takoma Park photo