University of Wisconsin-Superior Progress Zone
Jim Dan Hill Library Renovation
2008-2009

YOU CAN HELP: Gifts of all sizes are important to the success of this project and other initiatives that are part of Campaign Superior: Higher Expectations. To learn how you can help, call us toll free at 888-893-8593 or make a gift now.

This project will take a building erected in 1968 and update it for the 21st century. The renovated library will include a glass wall on two sides to permit more light to enter the building to make it more attractive to users. The interior will be reconfigured, with most of the collection on the lower level. The main level will include an information commons, reference and browsing areas, and open study spaces.  The second floor will provide meeting spaces, open study spaces, and house special collections. Read more about this project and see images of how the finished building will appear.

We'll add photos to this site every week until the project is finished. Please check back to watch the progress.

Scroll down to see the project progress. Click on each photo to see a larger image.

July 30, 2008 -- The library is a pretty busy place these days, with heavy equipment operating outside and demolition work taking place inside. In the basement, workers are piling up old pipes and other materials for removal.

 

Aug. 14, 2008 -- An excavator works behind the library as part of the exterior waterproofing of the foundation wall. Inside, workers continue to remove building materials to make way for the renovation.

 

Aug. 28, 2008 - It's Move-In Day for new students but it's Break-Out Day for JDH Library as workers start breaking through the northern side of the building to prepare for installation of the "glass wall" that will help illuminate the building's interior.
 

Sept. 10, 2008 - Fencing cordons off the worksite and protects the library sign during the renovation. Most of the outside waterproofing work on the foundation is complete. The project remains on schedule.

 

Sept. 17, 2008 -- Two workers on a life-arm remove the brick facade from the street side of the building. This area will become the glass wall on this side. Workers inside the building are using these openings as load-outs for demolition debris on the second floor.
 

Sept. 19, 2008 -- The cutout for the glass wall is complete. This photo clearly shows the size of the glass wall. Inside, most demolition is complete and workers have begun installing new plumbing. HVAC equipment is on site awaiting installation.
 

Sept. 24, 2008 -- Most interior demolition is complete and the areas for the glass walls have been knocked out. Workers like the one shown here are now starting on plumbing and wiring, with some digging going on in the basement. Outside, workers are building the accessibility ramp. This view is taken from the library entrance lobby looking toward the side of the building facing Old Main.
 

 

Sept. 25, 2008 -- Workers use a large crane to lift one of several  air-handling units and swing it into the building's second floor for installation


 

 

Sept. 25, 2008 - A closer view of an air-handling unit being held in position so workers can pull it into the building.


 

 

Oct. 2, 2008 -- This is the second floor as seen from the top of the stairway. In the back you can see where workers are installing insulation and drywall.

Oct. 2, 2008 -- This is the first floor from the main entryway. Workers are installing wiring, insulation and drywall.
 

Oct. 8, 2008 -- You can hear plenty of hammering inside the library today as workers install air handling equipment and ductwork, some of which is visible in this photo.

Oct. 15, 2008 -- This view from the top of the entry stairs on the first floor shows the steel wall studs that workers are erecting. Workers also are continuing to install air handling equipment.

Oct. 29, 2008 -- Work continues inside the building as workers install steel wall studs, wiring, plumbing and air-handling ducts. This is the view from the main doorway looking into the first floor.
Nov. 5, 2008 -- It's not much to look at now, but this area on the first floor will become a reading area with a fireplace -- one of the amenities intended to persuade more students to linger at the library. A similar area will be on the second floor.

Nov. 19, 2008 -- Workers continue to make progress on building interior rooms, such as this second-floor area that will become a room for small study groups.

Nov. 19, 2008 -- Compare this view on the first floor to the image at right to see...

 

Nov. 19, 2008 -- ...how it will appear when finished.

 

BE PART OF THE FUTURE: Gifts of all sizes are important to the success of this project and other initiatives that are part of Campaign Superior: Higher Expectations. To learn how you can help, call us toll free at 888-893-8593 or make a gift now.