Library Is Renovated for the Technological Era

The Deerfield Public Library in Deerfield, Ill., underwent an $11.2 million gut rehab and expansion.

Chicago-area libraries are undergoing transformations to better accommodate a technological era. The Deerfield Public Library in Deerfield, Ill., underwent an $11.2 million gut rehab and expansion and reopened on June 23, 2013.

The Library Improvement Program involved a major reorganization and remodeling of the library, including two additions to the existing facility, totaling more than 10,000 square feet. The expanded facility has more meeting space, as well as quiet zones and study rooms, a computer lab, automated checkout and return station, and a fireplace.

To improve energy efficiency, the library’s mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems were replaced with a variable refrigerant flow system. Faced with above-ceiling space constraints, Mortenson Construction relied on Building Information Modeling to build detailed 3-D models used by all the MEP contractors to plan, install and integrate their systems. In addition, sensor-controlled LED lighting was installed.

The expanded facility has more meeting space, as well as quiet zones and study rooms.

Retrofit Team

Contractor: Mortenson Construction, Chicago
Architect: Dewberry, Elgin, Ill.
Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing Engineer: KJWW, Naperville, Ill.
Civil Engineer: Manhard Consulting, Vernon Hills, Ill.

The Library Improvement Program involved a major reorganization and remodeling of the library.

Retrofit Materials

Glass Railing System: CRL
Resin Panels: 3Form
Waterproofing: Tremco
Cement Board Stucco System: Sto Corp.
Roofing Membrane: Firestone
Expansion Joints: Inpro Corp.
Storefront System: Vistawall
Acoustic Ceiling Panels: USG Corp.
Operable Partitions: Hufcor
Variable Refrigerant Flow Heat-pump System: LG
Toilet Partitions: Bobrick
Generator: Generac
Toilets: Kohler
Dual-flush Valves: Sloan Valve Co.