Elisha D. Smith Public Library

Miron makes library expansion a real

By Rebecca R. Konya

When a shortage of funds threatened to delay the remodeling and expansion of the Elisha D. Smith Public Library in Menasha, construction manager Miron Construction Co. stepped in and donated its project management services to help keep the project on track.

"It was our contribution as a community partner," said project manager Paul Riederer, who valued the donated services at $180,000.

Nine years in the making, the $4.5 million library expansion and remodel was a true community effort. In addition to Miron's donation of services, the project received more than $1 million in private funding.

The local veteran's organization also was instrumental in achieving the city's vision for a modernized library. The group agreed to turn over land from the neighboring Veteran's Park to accommodate the 16,500-square-foot library addition. A monument that stood in the former park now sits outside the library entrance.

"It's the focal point of the main entrance," said Riederer.

The library also dedicated a community meeting space to the veterans, naming it in honor of Company E, a World War II Army unit.

"They were very happy that we opened in time for Veteran's Day," said Riederer.

early two-thirds of the new addition houses the library's children's collection. Previously located in the basement, the new children's area is bright and cheery with natural lighting from a wall of windows. The area also features a story-hour room.

"The entire children's area is now 12,000 square feet," said Riederer.

Other new library features include an expanded teen collection, a consolidated administration area on the second-floor mezzanine and the Main Street Atrium with computer carousels and a periodicals section. The open-air space, which also serves as the library's main lobby, is accented with clerestory windows.

For those seeking a relaxing atmosphere, the main level offers the Fireside Lounge - a comfortable reading nook with overstuffed armchairs and a gas fireplace. Miron used Lannon stone removed from the library's existing exterior to build the impressive hearth. In appreciation of Miron's donation of services, the library dedicated the lounge in the construction firm's name.

In an effort to blend the addition with the existing library, Miron overhauled the entire exterior of the building. The new façade, which incorporates brick, EFFIS and glass, is virtually maintenance free.

	Project Name: Elisha D. Smith Public Library Location: Menasha Submitting Company: Miron Construction Co. Inc., Neenah Construction Manager: Miron Construction Co. Inc. Architect: The Durrant Group Inc., Hartland Engineer: The Durrant Group Inc. Owner: City of Menasha Project Cost: $4.5 million Start Date: February 2003 Completion Date: December 2003

To help the library remain open during the expansion and remodeling work, Miron completed construction in phases. Riederer said staging the project was essential in reducing inconvenience to library patrons and maintaining a safe work environment for library employees and construction crews. The project required shutting down the library for only two weeks to move library collections into their permanent positions and to wrap up other finishing details.

"Working on an existing occupied structure that was open every day definitely presented challenges," said Riederer.

With busy streets on three sides of the library, Riederer added that the construction site was fairly confined. A fire station located next door to the library required construction crews to constantly keep the area clear for emergency vehicles.