The last Central Library sign comes down as renovations continue on the downtown branch.
Tulsa City-County Library CEO Gary Shaffer said interior demolition is complete.
"Plumbing piping has been installed. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment is being installed. Interior wall framing is underway. Cutouts between floors for new stairs and elevators are complete," Shaffer said. "Electrical systems are being installed, and, fortunately, there have been no accidents to delay work and, overall, we are on schedule for the project."
Total cost for the renovation is $50 million. Shaffer said the library just got the first portion of voter-approved funds from the city.
"Upcoming milestones, again, in construction will include rebuilding stairs to meet new building codes, drywall installation, new thermal windows will be installed, a new roof, new exterior wall panels where the river rock panels have been removed and the beginning of the parking garage construction," Shaffer said.
Private donors have given more than $30 million toward the project. A fundraising campaign will continue, with proceeds from library merchandise going toward the renovation.
Though Shaffer is ready for the next step in the project, he took a moment to share other library news. The entire system is in the running for the 2015 National Medal for Museum and Library Service.
"[It's] the highest honor that a library can achieve," Shaffer said. "We are a finalist, we are not yet a winner. There are 30 finalists, museums and libraries from across the country."
Ten winners of the federal award will be announced, likely sometime in April. More than 150 institutions were nominated.
