Temporary library parking goes into effect

Available parking during library construction

Updated: February 25, 2013 11:06AM

WINNETKA — In response to their own flooding issues the Winnetka Public Library has begun a three-week construction project which will result in the temporary closure of their parking lot.

Library officials began the project to reduce stormwater “ponding” in the parking lot, which contributed to the library building sustaining damage from the two major flood events of 2006 and 2011.

After the 2006 flood, improvements were made to the building’s exterior drains. The 2011 flood caused water damage to the lower level staff areas and forced the closure of those areas for three months.

“(After 2011) we began investigating major engineering and structural improvements,” said Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District PR & Marketing Specialist Erin Maassen. “We retained the engineering firm Gewalt Hamilton & Associates and have been working with them to improve the building’s stormwater management.”

A report submitted to the library by Gewalt in September. suggested increasing the size of the main drain line that runs into the village sewer system from eight inches to 12 inches, as well as other site improvements.

The Gewalt study also found the parking lot acts as a “bowl” during extreme storms that exceed the capacity of the storm pipes, causing the parking lot to fill with stormwater. The project will lower the overflow elevation from the parking lot to Linden Street by reconstructing the entrance to the lot and adjacent sidewalk.

As construction begins library patrons are encouraged to use temporary parking established by the village. During construction library users should park on the east side of Linden, just north and south of the library entrance, and the west side of Linden, just south of Oak Street,. During construction, signs will indicate these spaces are for “Library Patrons Only.”

Free, 90-minute parking is also available on Oak, just west of Green Bay Road, and in the parking lot on the northwest corner of Oak St. and Green Bay Road.

“We’re working with the village and police department to communicate temporary parking spots during construction,” Maassen said. “(The project) will last approximately three weeks, depending on weather.”

According to Maassen, nine construction firms submitted bids for the job ranging from $225,000 to $109,000. Call Construction was selected as the lowest responsible bidder with a bid amount of $119,260.

Construction updates will be available at www.winnetkalibrary.org or by calling the library at 847-446-7220.

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