Renovations to BPL's Johnson Wing | Back Bay

[Cortes]

Today, as it is snowing, the doors are closed. Guess what. No accessibility. The handicap button isn't working, and while the "automatic" doors still sort of work, ABSOLUTELY NOBODY with mobility issues can open them.

I use the library on a daily basis. Whatever the solution to this problem is, your guess is as good as mine. But this is a major fuck up, and like I said in my last post, will cost the city thousands of dollars.


I am done ranting about this. The library is beautiful, they did a great job. I just know that for all they are going to spend on heating/cooling, fixing, they probably could of just purchased a couple of books.

 

[JeffDowntown]

These automatic door vestibules work pretty well in other locations in Boston. Even high traffic ones like some of the Logan terminals.

What did they get wrong here?

 

[datadyne007]

These automatic door vestibules work pretty well in other locations in Boston. Even high traffic ones like some of the Logan terminals.

What did they get wrong here?

All the vestibules at Logan are far deeper than the BPL one.

 

[Cortes]

These automatic door vestibules work pretty well in other locations in Boston. Even high traffic ones like some of the Logan terminals.

What did they get wrong here?

My guess is the level. This land is not only man made, but sitting on top of a tunnel. The hardest part of the new renovation was the connection between the Mckim and the Johnson buildings. If you get the chance to get off the green line inbound at Copley, there is a puddle of water that builds up every day because of how difficult that connection is.

I would gander to say (wow "gander") that things are off a centimeter or two.

 

[stellarfun]

A paean for Rawn's rework of the Johnson wing.

http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/20...or-visitors/QSaErxq79JzXU7PtRj9MXP/story.html

 

[Cortes]

Not to beat a dead horse... but I have been saying for months that the front doors are a problem. Actually since the summer 8 months ago when they were installed.

Hey now. February 3rd, 2017, and one of them is roped off with construction tape because the thing still doesn't work correctly.

Yep.

 

[statler]

I can't find anymore information on this. Anyone know what it is about?
https://www.facebook.com/126974090742/posts/10157616236870743/

 

[stellarfun]

I can't find anymore information on this. Anyone know what it is about?
https://www.facebook.com/126974090742/posts/10157616236870743/

This is Whighlanders suggested tower, but over the McKim, rather than the Johnson.

<I kid. I kid, only because there is no 'shadow consultant'>

The RFP is for the McKim and the plaza fronting Copley Sq., and is for an architectural firm with personnel who have the following occupational qualifications:

Applicants must provide the names of key personnel and consultants that will be utilized on this project for the following disciplines: architect, cost estimator, code consultant, historic restoration and permitting consultant, civil engineer, landscape architect, structural engineer, fire protection engineer, plumbing engineer, HVAC engineer, electrical engineer, telecommunications and data engineer, sustainable design specialist, lighting consultant, specifications writer, and vertical transportation consultant.

https://www.boston.gov/sites/default/files/file/2020/01/01.27.2020%20City%20Record_0.pdf

See pdf p. 11. Note, a programmatic scope document is not attached to the RFP published in the calendar.

Elevators are now vertical transportation? Anyway, this looks to be a big project. Contract to the winning firm will be for a 52 week period.

(Facebook post was worthless, Twitter suggested a path, which worked.)

 

[datadyne007]

Elevators are now vertical transportation?

Yes. That is industry-standard terminology.

 

[statler]

Thanks stellar!

I can't imagine how much they could even be allowed to do to the McKim building beyond restoration work. That must be one of the most protected post-colonial buildings in Boston.

 

[estyle]

Thanks stellar!

I can't imagine how much they could even be allowed to do to the McKim building beyond restoration work. That must be one of the most protected post-colonial buildings in Boston.

It is--City landmark both outside and in. I think the plaza is intriguing--the area on Dartmouth is not great. That area has changed so much over the years and it could be better. I can imagine a connection to the plaza in front of Trinity Church. Should be fun to watch.

 

[stellarfun]

Thanks stellar!

I can't imagine how much they could even be allowed to do to the McKim building beyond restoration work. That must be one of the most protected post-colonial buildings in Boston.

A little bit more, but still not the programmatic scope.

the City of Boston’s Public Facilities Department (PFD) is requesting qualification statements for services including master planning, studying, programming and cost estimating for the Boston Public Library, McKim Building Improvements project with an estimated study cost of $640,000 The scope of services for the McKim Building Improvements includes, but is not limited to: Master Plan, Visioning, Feasibility Study, Programming and Cost Estimating services for the renovations to the Boston Public Library, McKim Building and Entry Plaza project. The designer will coordinate closely with staff from the Boston Public Library and the Public Facilities Department as well as community and user groups. Designer will be contracted up-through the Master Plan phase. The City reserves the right to retain the selected designer to provide complete professional services for design, construction and commissioning phases.