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 Safety Harbor Public Library Expansion
Architect
Long & Associates Architects/Engineers, Inc.
4525 S. Manhattan Avenue, Tampa, FL 33611
www.longandassociates.com
General Description
Location:
Safety Harbor, Florida
Date Bid: Feb 2008 Construction Period: Feb 2008 to Apr
2009
Total Square Feet: 25,000 Site: 2.7 acres.
Number of Buildings: One.
Building Size: Renovation 14,900; addition 10,100;
total, 25,000 square feet. Building Height: First floor, 12;
total, 35’.
Basic Construction Type: Type II/Addition/Renovation.
Foundation: Cast-in-place. Exterior Walls: CMU.
Roof: Built-up & clay tile. Floors: Concrete.
Interior Walls: Metal stud drywall.
Construction Team
Structural & MEP Engineer: Long & Associates
Architects/Engineers, Inc. - 4525 S. Manhattan Avenue, Tampa, FL 33611
General Contractor: Biltmore Construction Company, Inc. - 1055
Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Belleair, FL 33756
This popular public library is a focus of community activity and a
source of strong civic pride. Located along historic Philippe Parkway,
it reflects the small-town charm of Safety Harbor and connects the
pedestrian oriented Main Street with the surrounding quiet residential
neighborhoods.
The expansion of this facility required the rehabilitation of the facade
and roof systems to restore the building’s original character as well as
the creation of new space to meet the growing needs of library
collections and public service expectations. The design also responded
to the potential need for further growth on a constrained site by
providing the option to build a second floor addition on the new South
wing.
Community needs dictated that this facility remain functional throughout
the construction process. The project was designed and the work was
phased to accommodate and maintain adequate public service. The design
and construction teams worked closely with library staff to minimize
disruptions to public access, and to provide for temporary relocation of
collections and service desks.
Library interiors were designed to reflect a civic commitment to
preservation of natural habitats and environmental stewardship. Design
of the project supported this commitment through the use of
environmentally friendly interior finishes and energy efficient
air-conditioning and lighting systems. The indoor environment is
controlled for both humidity and temperature to provide for human
comfort as well as long-term protection of the various materials in the
library collections.
Sustainable design elements are included throughout the project. Use of
natural clay tile provides a very low-maintenance long-life roof system.
All existing windows were replaced with new energy-efficient units
incorporating insulated glass. New landscaping uses native plant species
to minimize water consumption and blend the facility into the local
ecosystem. Expanded parking facilities consist of both turfgrass areas
with subsurface reinforcing structures and porous concrete pavers to
reduce stormwater runoff.
Graceful Interior Blends with Library’s Original Character
Superior Structures of Tampa, Fla., a commercial contractor, was on the
job at Safety Harbor Public Library for a total of 9 months, but not
consecutively. The time spent on the project was split up due to
phasing. The library was broken into 3 phases – the new South expansion,
the new North expansion, and the renovation of the existing structure.
Matching and tying into the existing stucco on the exterior was a
challenge. The stucco also included EIFS trim. Superior Structures used
Super Stucco by Florida Rock. They also added EIFS bands along with
dental molding.
Chad Latham, Project Manager of Superior Structures, enjoyed executing
the interior design of Long & Associates. “The radius soffits were very
challenging to lay out and execute. We had the help of a track bender
from Radius Track. Radius Track makes a much smoother radius, especially
in the serpentine soffits around the main floor of the library. The
serpentine soffit had to be laid out free hand and they turned out to be
spectacular, he related. The drywall finishing was near flawless,
clearly shown in the radius entry lobby that is well lit by a high
clearstory. We had to tie into existing drywall in this area which is
always a bit trickier, but it turned out great.”
The interior drywall used was National Gypsum and the interior metal
studs were by Dietrich.
“We are very proud of the Safety Harbor Public Library. It is a clear
indication of the scope of work we provide and the quality of the work
we do, Latham went on to say. The library was a success for everyone
involved.”
Superior Structures is a minority contractor in business since 1997.
They specialize in commercial metal stud, drywall, stucco, and EIFS.
They also install waterproofing, fireproofing and Specialty Division
work. They specialize in institutional work including hospitals,
schools, and retail.
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