AMHERST — Change orders related to work on the expanded and renovated Jones Library is pushing back substantial completion of the $46.1 million project by nearly two months, with the public reopening of the 43 Amity St. building likely around July 1, 2027.
The delay for when a certificate of occupancy would be issued was announced Sept. 14 to the Jones Library Building Committee by Trey Logie of Colliers International, the owner’s project manager.
While general contractor Fontaine Brothers Inc. of Springfield had been targeting Jan. 20 for substantial completion, meaning a certificate of occupancy could be received, substantial completion is now set for March 17. Its contract with the town called for the 45-workday delay, not including weekends and holidays.
“Contractually right now, that’s where they’re at,” Logie said.
With more change orders possible as the project continues to move along, Logie said he will try to see what can be done to gain time, rather than facing further delays.
If that schedule for substantial completion holds, library staff and a moving company would be able to begin getting furnishings and materials into the enlarged, 63,000-square-foot building on May 1.
Library Director Sharon Sharry said she anticipates the need for at least six weeks for her staff to get settled and oriented before resuming service to the public.
Sharry described the amount of work for her team as being “a bit of a beast” between the new furniture and getting all books back on shelves.
The exact date the library reopens is subject to change. If July 1, 2027 is the opening date, that would be exactly two years after mobilization began on the project.
The May 1, 2027 move-in date is good for the library in being able to get out from the temporary location in the Slobody Building at 101 University Drive, giving sufficient time to have that space vacated by May 31.
Despite the delay, Logie said the contractor is making great progress, with two to three weeks of masonry left before that is complete, and workers are well underway with window installation in the new building.
A small retaining wall that separates the library from the neighboring building, the back side of the Drake performance venue, is complete.
Inside the new and existing space, drywall is going up throughout, and stairwells are being built, including one that will take patrons by the roof and windows of the original 1928 portion of the building.
Austin Sarat, president of the trustees, said this staircase will be magnificent for people to get a close-up look at the nearly century-old part of the building.
