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04/25/2022
Lauren Wilcox
No Subjects

The Vinson Library location will be renovated to receive a new HPL TECHLink.  The TECHLink will be approximately 3,000 SF.

TECHLink is an innovative and potentially transformative extension of the Library’s current program of services to include free and equitable access to new and emerging state-of-the-art technologies. These spaces provide customers with instruction and tools for exploring music and video production, digital animation, graphic design, photo editing, multimedia presentations, coding and STEM-focused education.

TECHLink has been crafted as a learning environment with a focus on creativity, self-expression, and collaboration, offering technology-based programs, classes and workshops based on current library and technology trends and community needs. Some of these spaces will also serve as testing venues for customers pursuing professional certifications.

TECHLink facilities will be carved out of existing library spaces, however, they will operate under the direction of the Digital Strategies Department. They will have their own managers and staff, skilled in the various available technologies in order to efficiently guide and assist customers in their use and service.

Although TECHLink’s services will extend far beyond traditional library offerings, they will continue to be freely accessible to all demographics and communities as part of the library’s ongoing efforts to provide equity of access and to bridging the digital and technology divides. Furthermore, TECHLink spaces will be strategically spread across the metropolitan Houston area to allow for increased accessibility to customers where they live or wherever their daily commutes may take them.

TECHLink at Vinson Library

3810 West Fuqua

Architect: TBD
Contractor: TBD
Construction Budget: $1.46M
Current Phase: Programming
Next Phase: Design in 2022
Schedule: Construction in 2022

04/25/2022
Lauren Wilcox
No Subjects

 

The Ring Library will undergo repairs to the exterior building envelope and roof. The Library was originally constructed in 1964 and is 8,391 SF. The exterior building envelope and roof work will extend the life of the building.

Ring Library Roof & Exterior Restoration

8835 Long Point Rd, Houston, TX 77055

April 2022 Update

Architect: Building Envelope Consultants
Contractor: tbd
Construction Budget: $450K
Current Phase: Condition Assessment complete.  
Next Phase: Design in 2022.
Schedule: Construction in 2022.

04/22/2022
Lauren Wilcox
No Subjects

 

The New Montrose Library, located within the New Montrose Collective Development, will feature a Library with reading areas, Technology access, a Children’s area, a Teen area, and meeting spaces. The Montrose Collective is a new mixed-use retail/office spaces in the heart of Montrose.

MONTROSE LIBRARY
1001 California Street, Houston, TX 77006

April 2022

Architect: Shepley Bullfinch Architects
Contractor: David E. Harvey Builders, Inc.
Construction Budget: $3.7M
Current Phase: Design Phase
Next Phase: Construction
Schedule: tbd.

04/22/2022
Lauren Wilcox
No Subjects

 

The Kendall Library was damaged by rising flood waters during Hurricane Harvey. Approximately 48”+ of flood waters entered the entire first floor. The first floor, the roof, siding, furniture and content were affected by the storm. Flood water remained in the building for up to two weeks without air conditioning or power.

KENDALL LIBRARY
609 N. Eldridge Houston, Texas 77079

April 2022 Update

Architect: Robert Adams, Inc.
Contractor: Gadberry Construction
Construction Budget: $4,137,000.00
Current Phase: Construction
Schedule: Substantial Completion 2nd Quarter 2022.
Past 30 Days: Interior metal framing and sheetrock installation.  Exterior floodwall foundation concrete installation.
Next 30 Days: Continue construction on floodwall CMU and waterproofing.  Interior finish work, painting, flooring, cabinets and ceiling installation.

04/22/2022
Lauren Wilcox
No Subjects

 

Project Complete.  This project will install and relocate new roof drain lines to the exterior of the building; add structural foundation helical piles; and repair interior finishes to restore the building to pre-Hurricane Harvey condition.

Architect: Collaborate 

Contractor: Kellogg, Brown & Root 

Construction Budget: $811,000.00 

Current Phase: Construction 

Schedule: Start Design February 2020. Start Construction June 2020. Substantial Completion late November 2020. 

04/22/2022
Lauren Wilcox
No Subjects

 

The Julia Ideson Building, originally built in 1926 and renovated in 2007, will undergo foundational repairs to stabilize the building.

Julia Ideson Building Library

550 McKinney Street, Houston, TX 77009

April 2022 Update

Architect: Walter P. Moore /Collaborate
Contractor: tbd
Construction Budget: tbd
Current Phase: Structural Assessment
Next Phase: Construction
Schedule: Completion in 2022, to begin after Spring Break.

04/22/2022
Lauren Wilcox
No Subjects

 

The Johnson Library will also undergo repairs to the exterior building envelope and roof as part of the next phase. The Library was originally constructed in 1996 and is 12,190 SF. The exterior building envelope and roof work will extend the life of the building.

The interior roof drains have been replaced and contractors will be working on the roof as the next phase of the project.

Johnson Library Exterior & Roof Repairs

3517 Reed Road, Houston, TX 77051

April 2022 Update

Architect: Building Envelope Consultants
Contractor: Brown and Root Industrial Services, LLC
Construction Budget: $174K
Current Phase: Roof Drain Replacement Complete.  Roofing Plan submitted to permitting for approval.
Next Phase: Roof Replacement and Building Exterior Waterproofing
Schedule: Construction in 2022.

04/22/2022
Lauren Wilcox
No Subjects

 

Project Complete.  The Flores Library renovation will include a new and expanded Children’s area with Technology Lab and access to a Children’s patio learning space. New and expanded teen area with upgraded Technology. A new Adult area with new computers, new seating, and access to the patio. The renovation will include a new computer lab and updated meeting room.

Architect: English+ Associates

Contractor: Anslow Bryant, LTD.

Construction Budget: $779,600.00

Schedule: Substantial Completion 11/2020.

04/22/2022
Lauren Wilcox
No Subjects

 

The New Dr. Shannon Walker Library will be combining the services of Meyer Neighborhood Library and the Frank HPL Express Library at this new location. The New Library will consist of a children’s, teen, and adult area, a meeting room, conference room, computers, and a TECHLink area.

DR SHANNON WALKER LIBRARY
5505 Belrose, Houston, Texas 77035

April 2022 Update

Architect: Brave Architecture
Contractor: Spaw Glass
Construction Budget: $13M
Current Phase: Design
Next Phase: Start Construction 1st Qtr of 2022.
Schedule: Substantial Completion 2nd Qtr of 2023.
Past 30 Days: 100% Plans and documents completed.
Next 30 Days: Submit plans to permitting and finalize costs.

04/22/2022
Lauren Wilcox
No Subjects

 

Project Complete: The Plaza scope will include new plaza paving, artificial lawn, planters with trees, Adult Reading Area, Children’s Reading Room with shade structure and fans. New lighting, planters, irrigation, video display, water wall, and new site furnishings.

BARBARA BUSH LITERACY PLAZA
500 McKinney Houston, Texas 77002

Architect: Lauren Griffith Associates
Contractor: JE Dunn Construction
Construction Budget: $5,009,000.00
Current Phase: Construction
Schedule: Construction began 9/2/2020 and the Grand Opening occurred in early September 2021.

 

04/22/2022
Lauren Wilcox
No Subjects

 

The Alief Neighborhood Center is the first City of Houston facility designed specifically to provide the delivery of popular public services through the Houston Public Library, Parks and Recreation Department, and the Health Department. The $54M, 69K SF facility, will house the Alief Regional Library and TECHLink Facility. TECHLink is an innovative and potentially transformative extension of HPL’s current program of services to include free and equitable access to new and emerging state-of-the-art technologies. These spaces provide customers with instruction and tools for exploring music and video production, digital animation, graphic design, photo editing, multimedia presentations, coding and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)-focused education.

Alief Neighborhood Center
Houston Public Library and TECHLink
11903 Bellaire Boulevard

April 2022 Update

Architect: EYP Architecture & Engineering
Contractor: Manhattan Construction Company
Construction Budget: $54M
Schedule: Construction began 8/2020 and will be Substantially Complete 6/2022.
Past 30 Days: Continue Site development and concrete installation.  Roofing, siding, masonry, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and sheetrock installation in the building.
Next 30 Days: Continue Site development, roofing, siding, masonry,  mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, flooring, sheetrock installation, flooring, and painting in the building.

04/22/2022
Lauren Wilcox
No Subjects

 

TECHLink Dixon powered by Aramco, opened January 28, 2021!  TECHLink is one of HPL’s premier library service models featured in our transformative “One Houston. One Library” strategic plan, that is aimed at ensuring Houstonians throughout the city have equitable access to resources and services within any area of the city.  While other library locations have been remodeled with the TECHLink concept, this is HPL's first stand-alone TECHLink facility, uniquely designed and specifically constructed for the delivery of TECHLink's robust technology resources.

 

Black Art Library
On view at the African American Library at the Gregory School

April 16, 2022 - June 25, 2022

Independent curator and arts educator Asmaa Walton founded Black Art Library in February 2020 as a digital project to mark Black History Month.  During her studies and time working in museums, Walton noticed a lack of Black visual artists in both her art history curriculum and on the walls of museums. Black Art Library aims to help people learn more about Black art and artists outside of formal art institutions, which can feel restrictive and intimidating.

The project has turned into an interactive exhibition and resource. The ever-expanding collection includes over 500 anthologies, art books, children’s books, exhibition catalogues, artist memoirs, artist biographies, and other art-related ephemera. Although Black art and artists have historically been excluded in mainstream art history, museum collections, and galleries, Black Art Library is accessible for everyone: art lovers, art novices, children, and historians are all welcome.


Follow the Black Art Library on Instagram @blackartlibrary

Exhibit is free and open to the public.

Exhibits dates are subject to change.

About the Curator 

Asmaa Walton is a Detroit native, arts educator, and ardent developer of the Black cultural archive. Walton received a BFA in art education from Michigan State University in 2017 and an MA in Art Politics from New York University Tisch School of the Arts in 2018. In 2019, Walton was appointed Romare Bearden Graduate Museum Fellow at the Saint Louis Art Museum. Her current mission is to have a permanent space for Black Art Library in Detroit. 

This exhibition is generously supported by:

City of Houston

The Houston Public Library

The Houston Public Library Foundation

The African American Library at the Gregory School

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