Get a Sneak Peak!

Although the construction site is too dangerous for the public, we know you’re probably curious about what’s going on!  Visit this page for the latest construction photos and updates.

May 26
4

The Boxes are Moving!

By | Construction Updates, Latest News

Our moving process has resumed, and that is great news!  However, due to the COVID-19 delays, we are about eight weeks behind schedule.

We started to transfer books to Courtland Center on May 26.  We should wrap up that part of the process in mid-June.  Then we need to unpack, obtain our Certificate of Occupancy, and prepare a good plan for delivering services during an ongoing health crisis.  That’s the hard part!

We’re working as hard and as fast as we can to open FPL at Courtland Center.  We miss our patrons!  Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter, or sign up to receive email updates via YourNewFPL.org.

May 08
4

The Checkered Flag is Out!

By | Construction Updates, Latest News

Now that construction and packing/moving companies are open for business, we will resume the packing process the week of May 11.  While we finish packing at Kearsley Street, Clark Construction will wrap up the work on our temporary location at Courtland Center.  We hope to start moving the furniture and shelving by mid-May. Once we have a certificate of occupancy for our temporary location, we can start moving the books and the staff into place. We don’t know when the State will allow libraries to open to the public.

We do know that we’re very eager to start serving you in person again! We will continue to update you as we have concrete news to share.

Apr 17
4

We Still Have Forward Momentum!

By | Construction Updates, Latest News

Here are some of the exciting things related to our building transformation that are happening behind the scenes.

  • Our construction manager, Clark Construction, has sent out bid requests for many elements of our project.  They will be evaluating those responses and selecting the sub-contractors. This is exciting, because it means we will be ready to start  construction as soon as conditions allow.
  • Our Information Technology team is working on the new technology we will need.  This includes updates to some existing systems, but also new tools like self-checkout.
  • We are hoping to have a ground-breaking ceremony sometime this summer.  It would be fabulous to have a large gathering, although we realize that may not be possible.  But regardless, we will give you some way to celebrate with us as shovels go in the dirt!
  • Clark Construction is also nearing completion on our temporary space at Courtland Center. After the Stay Home order is lifted, they will finish the work so we can move into our temporary home.  Once we are settled, we will announce an opening date.
We are looking forward to seeing all of you again!
Mar 27
4

Construction Pauses During COVID-19 Shutdown

By | Construction Updates, Latest News

We were making excellent progress on packing and moving until March 23, when Governor Whitmer issued her executive order mandating a shutdown.  Per that order, all work has currently stopped, both in our existing building and in our temporary space.

So what does COVID-19 mean for our renovation project?  At this point in time, it is simply causing a delay.  Nothing has changed with our funding or our plans.  We just have to move the schedule out in proportion to how long this shutdown lasts.  We can’t estimate a time frame with any degree of confidence until the executive order has been lifted and we can get back to work.   

That means we do not yet have a date by which we plan to move into our temporary space at Courtland Center.  We’ll let you know as soon as possible.  Stay tuned for more updates!