Politics & Government
Library Board Assembles Facility Renovation Team
AT Group, Inc. hired as owners rep to advise board on construction.
The Board has selected the Park Ridge firm of AT Group, Inc. to be its owners representative and help manage the $11.7 million library improvement program approved by voters last November.
That decision was made at the April 20 library board meeting with the board approving the contract during the May 18 meeting.
The key appointment assures that the board will receive expert advise on all phases of design and construction management for the extensive two year project.
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The firm’s two principals, Jerry Aulisio and Jim Johnson will both serve as primary liaisons to the library board and what is estimated to be some 20-24 sub-contractors and trades who will be required on the job.
Aulisio, a registered architect, has 35 years of experience in managing contract preparation, documentation, and construction administration of over seven million square feet of office and commercial space.
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Jim Johnson is a professional engineer, a former city engineer, and a municipal director of public works with more than 21 years of public service experience. He specializes in program development, consultant selection, contract negotiations, field administration, construction scheduling and budgeting.
The firm has extensive experience in public library construction with recent construction projects involving the Glenview Public Library and the Cook Memorial Public Library District in Libertyville and Vernon Hills. The firm has also completed numerous municipal projects for the cities of Highland Park, Lake Forest, the Lake Forest High School District, and several other governmental agencies and communities.
“We are going to use every bit of advice that you can provide us,” Board President Ken Abosch indicated with a grin when announcing the selection.
He explained that none of the board has a background in construction and with so much money at stake they must rely on qualified professionals to act in the best interests of the library and the taxpaying public.
The board continues to gather its top management team together. Already on board is PSA-Dewberry, its Chicago architect. The firm had been retained last year to develop a needs assessment of the new library's requirements, and develop preliminary floor plan layouts for the proposed renovation. These were essential in preparing for last November’s public referendum.
Another crucial team member is the village's finance personnel. They are involved in preparing documents for the necessary bond sale coming up in August.
As suggested by the owner’s representative, the next high-level position the board will fill on its top management team will be the “construction manager at risk” position.
This team member will advise and consult with the architect on all aspects of planning and managing the design and construction phases, prepare bid packages and detailed cost estimates, develop project schedules, oversee all quality control standards, and probably most important of all, guarantee that the overall cost of construction remains within the library board's budget.
The board will probably make a decision on this function soon, with input provided by the owner’s rep.
ESTIMATED LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE:
Spring, 2011- Library Board hosts public meeting on building renovations planned.
Late spring, 2011- Zoning permit approvals presented to various Village Commissions.
August, 2011- Construction bond sale.
Jan/March, 2012- Library moves into temporary quarters while workers dismantle portions of building to prepare for renovation .
April. 2012- Building construction begins in earnest.
2013?- Construction ends and library materials & staff return to renovated facilities to serve the public.
