Yuma County Free Library District—AZ
The Yuma County Free Library District modernization project was intended to serve the rapidly growing population of Yuma County, located in southwestern Arizona. This rapid population growth rendered the existing facilities inadequate, and new population centers were developed far from the existing facilities.
In total, the program called for the development of four new library facilities and the renovation of two sites. The Main Library and the San Luis branch were both completed using Construction Manager-at-Risk services, while the four other facilities, including the expansion project and the renovation project, were developed using Design-Build techniques. This innovative approach allowed for tremendous savings in time and complexity, as the program requirements for new construction and renovation were distinct and could be handled through the most effective delivery method.
The new library spaces were designed to be technologically innovative as the buildings feature extensive library automation systems, including automated book sorters and inventory management systems. The sites were also developed with technology intended for library patrons, including public computers, game stations, inter-library networking, and teleconference technology.
Overall, between new construction and additions to existing facilities, the program delivered over 170,000 square feet of state-of-the-art library space. In particular, the new sites developed throughout the County enable patrons who previously had to drive a considerable distance local access to quality library facilities.
Two innovative tools created and implemented by the ARCADIS team were used specifically to control the overall program and individual project schedules and costs. These were the “Owner Move-In Schedules” and “Cost-to-Completes”. These tools allowed the team to condense critical decisions and activities at an executive level for communication to the owner, contractors, subcontractors, vendors, elected officials and other stakeholders.
