Construction preparation is now taking place, as demolition is scheduled to begin May 24th. All staff areas and service points are being cleared to accommodate the demolition and construction work. Protective measures will be taken throughout the affected area as work proceeds, including dust barriers and air quality devices, covering for the marble floors, and protection for ceiling tiles.
The construction dumpster will be parked at the Melrose entrance, but there will not be a trailer outside as the superintendent will have an office inside the library. There will be trucks making deliveries on occasion, but construction crews will not park their vehicles on the sidewalk at the entrance. Most building materials will move in and out of the Melrose entrance.
Service points and staff members with offices on the second floor are all being relocated. Early work, including demolition of walls will occur in the current Circulation, Studio, and Instruction staff areas. The current timeline of events indicates an end to construction the week of September 3rd. Furniture plan is still in progress, but there is a sample board currently on an easel in front of Commons North with flooring, paint, and fabric selections chosen for the area. Please feel free to direct any questions you may have to Rita Smith, rsmith19@utk.edu.