Despite Limited Plans and Asbestos Discovery, Library Renovation Judged a Success
Best Renovation/Restoration Project: New Mexico Junior College Pannell Library Addition and Renovation
With limited plans available for the 50-year-old original building, this renovation at New Mexico Junior College was full of surprises.
The project converted a second floor library to classrooms and associated administrative offices for distance learning, renovated the first floor library and support offices and brought the original hodgepodge structure up to code. But an unexpected discovery during construction revealed a large roof drain within an existing wall, causing the new ADA second floor restroom layout to be redesigned. The project was also delayed by six weeks due to the discovery and abatement of asbestos sheathing, which was found when the exterior wall was being demolished for the new entry vestibule and curtain wall. But smart time management and skillful subcontractors were able to bring the project in on time.
Design elements included re-purposed wood siding, which wraps the north entry stair accent wall and lines the outside of the two-story light well. A two-story lobby, two-story light well and an exterior pre-cast concrete stair add strong vertical lines to the look of the building.
Included in the addition to the library were automated stacks that make book storage much more efficient, providing extra space to incorporate additional study carrels and leisure reading areas.
Submitted by: Dekker/Perich/Sabatini Key Players
Owner: New Mexico Junior College, Hobbs, N.M.
Contractor: Lasco Construction Inc., Hobbs, N.M.
Lead Design/Structural Engineer: Dekker/Perich/Sabatini, Albuquerque, N.M.
Civil Engineer: Pettigrew & Associates, Hobbs, N.M.
MEP Engineer: Bridgers & Paxton, Albuquerque, N.M.
