Houston Cole Library

With the original exterior beginning to crumble, Jacksonville State University hired Golden & Associates Construction to make exterior improvements to the Houston Cole Library. Golden & Associates shed the thirteen-story building of its existing white marble skin and replaced it with hand selected radiant red granite from Cold Springs, Texas. The new granite gave the library a wave of school spirit, reflecting the Gamecock's colors of red, black and white.

Along with this transformation, Golden & Associates added a new standing seam roof on the penthouse level to add architectural appeal without compromising the building's original 1972 design. The roof is supported by a continuous concrete beam and arch system that is elevated 280 feet above the first floor. The supporting framing is comprised of light gauge steel trusses and approximately sixty-two tons of rolled tube steel.

Given the fact that the library remained in active operation throughout the 18 month project duration, the level of complexity was unusually high. Not only did this additional foot traffic increase the logistical difficulty of this job, but safety was a major concern as well. With the library hosting special functions on the 11th floor, operations had to be coordinated at all times. To eliminate the potential for safety problems and to alleviate any undue inconvenience, temporary fencing was established as well as temporary walkways with overhead protection during all phases of construction.

Details

Owner:
Jacksonville State University

Architect:
Jenkins Munroe Jenkins Architecture

Completion:
August 2002

Location:
Jacksonville, Alabama

Contract Amount:
$4 million

Award:
2003 AGC Build Alabama Award
Category: Building Construction - Renovation - Under $5 million