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POUND RIDGE, N.Y. The second phase of the Pound Ridge Library exterior makeover is under way and the contractor says he hopes that the majority of the work will be completed by the end of the week.
The face lift was much needed. The librarys siding was rotting and the paint was peeling. Library officials began to remedy the problem in August 2011, when the first phase of the project began. Workers from the Millbrook, N.Y.-based CGB Development Corp. began laying HardiePlank a cement-based siding that is durable and fire resistant to one segment of the building. Once the siding was in place, it was given a fresh coat of paint. Phase one also included the reconstruction of the librarys walkway.
People would come in a comment that the first phase looked so beautiful, and want to know why we didnt finish it, said Library Director Marilyn Tinter.
The project was broken down into two phases to accommodate the librarys budget, Tinter explained, noting that the work is being paid for out of the librarys operating budget. The cost of the entire project is about $65,000. The first phase ran about $31,000. Tinter noted the second phase is a little more costly because it includes much more detailed work.
There are a lot of arches and nooks and crannies and cupolas in that part of the library, she said.
Charlie Bilangino, owner of CGB Development, said the second phase began last week and he hopes to have it completed by Friday, except for two custom windows that are being installed near the original entranceway. That job should be completed by the end of the month, he said.
Overall, its been a routine job, but we had to be overseen by the Landmark Committee to make sure nothing was changed [architecturally], Bilangino said.
The Pound Ridge Library, also known as the Hiram Halle Memorial Library, began life as a one-room schoolhouse in the mid-19th century. Over the years, its had several additions built onto the original structure. It was transformed into a Red Cross headquarters during World War I, and finally converted into a library in 1952. It is celebrating its 60th anniversary was series of activities and events throughout the year.
Tinter said she was excited to see the makeover nearly complete.
Little by little we are meeting some of our goals, she said.
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