Topic:
BUILDING CODES; CONTRACTORS; LIBRARIES; LITIGATION; GOVERNMENT PURCHASING; HIGHER EDUCATION; STATE PROPERTY;
Location:
BUILDING CODE; LIBRARIES; UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT;

OLR Research Report


March 31, 2008

  

2008-R-0247

UCONN LAW LIBRARY REPAIRS

By: Rute Pinhel, Research Analyst

You asked whether the UConn Law Library was built according to specifications and what steps UConn is taking to correct the building's flaws.

UCONN LAW LIBRARY

The UConn Law Library was completed in 1996. The Department of Public Works (DPW) oversaw the design and construction process. DPW states that it cannot discuss whether the library was built according to specifications because it is a matter related to pending litigation. The attorney general announced on February 15, 2008 that the state is seeking to recover over $ 15 million in repair, damages, and other costs from 15 contractors involved in the library's design, construction, installation, and inspection. (We have attached the full text of the press release for your review. )

UConn officials report they noticed leaks in the building almost immediately after its completion. Independent engineering firms performed a series of tests and forensic investigations and concluded that the building's water problems were related to its stone facade.

UConn has initiated the repairs and expects them to be completed by August 2009. The corrective action plan calls for:

1. removing the stone facade, installing new flashing and a new waterproofing system, and reinstalling the stone facade with proper anchoring and structural support;

2. removing the windows and reinstalling them to make them water tight;

3. removing and replacing water-damaged sheetrock, trim, and materials; and

4. installing containment systems to protect the building's occupants from the ongoing construction.

The total estimated cost of these repairs is $ 19 million. On March 28, 2008, the State Bond Commission approved $ 8 million in bond funds for the library repairs. According to a March 28, 2008 Hartford Courant article, the repairs will likely run $ 700,000 to $ 800,000 over budget because contractors repairing the facade have recently discovered that sections of the concrete block wall behind the facade are missing steel reinforcing bars and the parapet along the edge of the roof line is unstable.

RP: dw