Escondido library renovation ahead but faces change orders, windows decision delayed

City of Escondido staff told the Library Board of Trustees that construction on the downtown library renovation is making steady progress but uncovered change orders and costly options mean key scope decisions are still pending.

At a monthly staff update, project manager Ed Vasquez said roof replacement, new sewer lines, interior framing and HVAC removal and replacement are underway. “This is gonna be a short presentation, kind of a high level overview of what's been happening at the library so far,” Vasquez told trustees as he began the slideshow and photo update.

The project includes a complete roof replacement that was added as a bid alternate and covered by grant funding, Vasquez said. Workers have removed old tiles and underlayment, replaced plywood and installed drip edges; tile installation is expected within two weeks. New sewer mains and a riser for a cleanout are in place, but sections of original cast-iron sewer and poured concrete adjacent to structural walls prevented conventional excavation. Vasquez said crews will conceal new plumbing behind a shallow fur wall to avoid cutting…