The Seattle Public Library and Hoffman Construction (the general contractor/construction manger, GC/CM), its subcontractors and the Library’s designers have resolved issues stemming from delays in the Central Library project.
The resolution does not result in any new costs to the Library.
The dramatic new library at 1000 Fourth Ave. was designed by OMA/LMN Architects and opened May 23, 2004 to worldwide acclaim. The library was originally scheduled to open in fall 2003.
The 11-level building, which welcomes more than 9,000 visitors a day, received Time magazine’s top spot for best architecture in 2004 and a 2005 American Institute for Architects (AIA) Honors Award for Outstanding Architecture. The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Washington also recently gave top honors to the Central Library project for excellence in engineering and technology.
Two significant issues impacted the Central Library project schedule: Difficulties in the excavation shoring for the building foundations and delays in completion of the detailing and fabrication of structural steel.
All parties agreed to use mediation to try to resolve these outstanding issues. This mediation has resulted in a final, global resolution of all cost claims between the Library, design team, contractor and insurance companies. One subcontractor is still in discussions with an insurance company.
The settlement was mostly funded by insurance carriers on behalf of The Seattle Public Library, the designer, the contractor and certain subcontractors.
City Librarian Deborah L. Jacobs said she was pleased that a settlement could be reached through mediation. “Just as the essence of our successful Central Library project was a team endeavor, mediation allowed the opportunity for everyone to work together toward a resolution,” she said. She noted that all parties agreed on the mediator.
Bart Eberwein, vice president for business development and public affairs for Hoffman, said “Hoffman is satisfied. We were representing the unsung heroes in the Library story - the plumbers, steel erectors and other workers. They don’t get their names in the paper, but they signed up to help build one of the most spectacularly complicated buildings in the world, under incredibly challenging circumstances and they did it with distinction. That’s the happy ending we have been looking for, and we got it today.”
Jacobs also recognized the excellent work by the contractor and subcontractors, and emphasized that the Library and Hoffman are “extremely proud of the library’s innovative and exciting building structure, the excellent safety record that was maintained and the strong participation by small local businesses in the project.”
(For more information, call Andra Addison, Library communications director, 206-386-4103.)
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Content modified: 16 March 2005
12/30/2005
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