Facilities Management | Facilities Design & Construction | Principal Projects | Jackson Library Renovation

Jackson Library Renovation

Updated: 4/16/2024

About

The Jackson Library opened in 1950, with the tower addition coming online in 1973, and minimally updated since. The current facility is not reflective of the evolving definition of a modern-day library: a dynamic, technology-rich learning environment and intellectual community hub. Growth in enrollment, new academic programs and library support activities have generated a need for an increase in programmatic space and make it critical that the existing spaces be renovated. The revitalization of the library will innovatively and strategically support the University’s institutional mission, enhance, and strengthen the library’s connection in the heart of UNC Greensboro’s Main Campus.

The scope of the project consists of a comprehensive, transformative renovation to the existing building. The renovation will include updating the existing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, life safety and audiovisual systems and addresses existing ADA issues. Located at the bustling hub that is the physical center of campus, the project is envisioned as a complex, phased construction of an occupied building that will include strategically coordinated moves. As such, implementation will require meticulous and proactive planning. The project will integrate high technology group studies, central convening spaces and increased capacity for use by individual students. It is envisioned as a nexus of student academic success and transformative research resources. The library is considered at the core of the University’s intellectual space, where learning, knowledge creation, and community are fostered.

The Board of Trustees approved the team of LS3P from Raleigh, NC and Shepley Bulfinch from Durham, NC as the Designers for this project on March 22, 2022. The Advanced Planning design phase is scheduled to begin in September.

February 2024
Click Here to View the Presentation
June 2023

The Advance Planning (AP) Phase of the Jackson Library Renovation Project has been completed. The report and final recommendations were presented to the Design Oversight Committee on May 11th and issued to the North Carolina State Construction Office (SCO) on May 12th for review and comment. SCO approved the report on May 24th to move forward into the design phase. The project will now move into Schematic Design, where concepts and strategies outlined in Advanced Planning will be studied and investigated in greater detail. View the AP Executive summary here.

November 2022

The Jackson Library Renovation’s project team are progressing through the Advance Planning Phase as they continue holding visioning and engagement sessions with students, faculty and staff. These sessions are providing insight that will inform design priorities and development of the project’s guiding principles. The design team of LS3P and Shepley Bulfinch will be on campus mid-November for a series of visioning and engagement sessions focused on the topic of student success, obtaining faculty input, and the approach to audio-visual technology. Faculty are invited to meet with the design team during two Faculty Drop-in Engagement Session opportunities, to provide input regarding the Jackson Library Renovation project. The Drop-In Sessions will be organized by stations set up for providing input on how faculty and students use the library, how you want to use the library, and if there are program spaces that will enhance your experience at the library.

September 2022

Site surveys of existing conditions and underground utilities are well underway. The Advance Planning phase of design is set to kick off with visioning and engagement sessions on September 28th, 29th, and 30th. The design team will be on campus to tour the building and join stakeholders, library partners, university leadership, faculty, staff, and students in engagement sessions. Pop-up information gathering sessions with the designers will also be held in the EUC, Dining Hall, and Library during the day on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday morning. These first sessions will focus on a high level, initial understanding of the project and setting context. Topics will include: overall summary of the process and schedule for advance planning, site challenges and opportunities, overall visioning and goals, trends and drivers, and what is working well and other opportunities. The design team will lead the effort and listen to the groups in order to develop the overall vision and goals for the project using themed questions, break out discussions, and visioning exercises. The Pre-Construction Services contract has been executed with Skanska USA Building Inc. as the Construction Manager at Risk for this project. Skanska has joined the team in the Advance Planning Phase.

July 2022

The Board of Trustees approved Skanska USA Building Inc. from Durham, NC as the Construction Manager at Risk for this project on July 13, 2022. The team is currently establishing a contract for Pre-Construction services and intend for Skanska to join the team toward the end of the Advanced Planning Phase.