Updated March 29, 2023
Thank you for your interest in the Lake Forest Library dome. This blog post will be updated as repair work on the dome progresses.
Pictured: The Library Board and Staff, WJE, and L. Marshall team.
- In December 2021, the Lake Forest Library Board approved a Professional Services Agreement with Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) for investigation and design services for the repair and restoration of the dome.
- In May 2022, the City of Lake Forest Historic Preservation Commission issued a Certificate of Appropriateness for the dome solution presented by WJE.
- And in November 2022, the Library Board agreed to follow WJE’s recommendation and enter into a contract with L. Marshall Roofing & Sheet Metal to complete the dome repair project. The photo shows the Library Board and Staff, WJE, and L. Marshall team.
Updates are posted below.
March
- Installation of exterior scaffolding began March 9.
- The east and west courtyards will remain closed throughout the dome work.
- Six parking spots in the far back of the Library lot will be used for construction staging throughout the dome work.
- Work hours will be 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- The dome will not be removed during repair. Architects and contractors will be lifting the tarp to work on sections of the dome at a time. That way, watertightness can best be maintained throughout the project.
February 2023
- We are awaiting permit approval from the City. At the February 14 Board Meeting, the Building Committee shared that WJE now has the approved building permit. On-site work is expected to begin in March 2023. Patrons can expect scaffolding and construction to have minimal impact on library services and building access.
- At this time, it is expected that the Rotunda murals will remain in place throughout the dome work. Their restoration is being explored after the dome work is complete.