In August 2001, Suzzallo Renovation entered its second and final year of construction. We are now over halfway through this large-scale seismic and life-safety construction project. When completed next year, we will have a safer library building for everyone to enjoy.

For background information on Suzzallo Renovation, for photographs of the construction, or for a copy of our three previous newsletters, please see the Suzzallo Renovation Web page: http:// www.lib.washington.edu/about/suzzren.

Changes for Autumn Quarter in the 1963 Wing of Suzzallo :

• Suzzallo Circulation has moved to the First Floor, one floor directly above previous location

• Libraries Cashier, now on First Floor, one floor directly above previous location

• Change Machine, First Floor, near Libraries Cashier

• Copy Card Machine, Ground Floor

• Suzzallo Reference Desk, remains on Ground Floor

• Dewey Decimal 800s and 900s, Suzzallo Fourth Floor (returned to Suzzallo from temporary location at Sand Point)

• Lockers and carrels again available on the Fourth Floor for graduate students (see the Libraries Cashier to sign up)

Installation of the large seismic braceframes was completed on the Second, Fourth, and Fifth Floors by early July. The First and Third Floor braceframes were installed during July and August, and work began on the Ground and Basement Floors braceframes in late August.

Click on photo to see enlarged view

The process for installation of the braceframes began with ceiling and floor tile removal. In certain locations, the concrete floor slab had to be reinforced. Next, there was core drilling through the ceilings, floors, and into the columns for the installation of the steel plates. The structural steel was brought into each area in pieces. After being bolted into place, the braceframes were welded along the seams. Finally, the whole structure was painted, and then the ceiling and floor tiles were replaced and the library area restored.

Over the summer, the seismic braceframe work was completed in the four corners of the Suzzallo Reading Room. At the same time, the roof trusses in the attic space over the Reading Room ceiling were strengthened. These trusses are now connected to the batwing structure over the Grand Stair Hall, and the batwing is connected to the octagon pillars. As a result of these connections, the building will move as one piece during an earthquake.

The four large, round columns in the Grand Stair Hall were replastered, and other drywall work in this area was completed in preparation for painting.

The historical woodwork in the Smith Room has been reinstalled but still needs to be refurbished. The original woodwork appearance (color and finish) will be restored by careful touch-ups and cleaning.

The framing of interior walls began in the 1935 wing, followed by drywall installation and painting. This work is expected to be substantially complete on all floors by the end of December.

• Anchor exterior cast stone and brickwork on West façade.

• Anchor the columns and arches of the West entry.

• Reinforce upper balustrade and rebuild the four earthquake-damaged terra-cotta finials.

• Restore north and south end walls of Suzzallo Reading Room by reinstalling the cast concrete stones and then recreating the Caen Stone plaster walls above.

• Paint Grand Stair Hall (including walls, ceiling, and the large seismic "batwing").

• Begin work in Rooms 101 and 102, the large rooms directly north and south of the 1925 West Entrance. Work includes new electrical and mechanical systems, interior walls, and flooring.

• Continue installation of fire alarms and sprinklers.

• Install new data cabling in 1963 wing.