Contracting troubles have forced the University to delay the opening of its new multimillion dollar science library. Nassau Hall recently terminated its relationship with the project's contractor and hired a new one, raising questions about why the change was made and what its financial impact on the University may be.
The 87,000 sq. ft. structure, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, was set to open in the spring 2007, but University officials now say that work delays could postpone the opening by upward of a year.
A $60 million vision
The Lewis Library, at the corner of Washington Road and Ivy Lane, is named for Peter Lewis '55, a University trustee and chairman of the Progressive Corporation insurance company. Lewis donated $60 million to support the construction and the programs of the library.
When completed, the facility is expected to house the chemistry, biology, geosciences, physics and statistics collections as well as the digital map and geospatial information center. The design is intended to allow easier access to resources by bringing together a number of disciplines under one roof.
Conversations with a number of University officials and others closely involved in the project point to difficulties with the project's former contactor, Skanska USA Building Inc., a division of Skanska — a global construction group based in Stockholm, Sweden — as the main source of the delay.
"There are issues with the contractor that are ongoing," Gehry's project designer Craig Webb '74 said. "Up until recently, things have been tracking pretty smoothly," he added.
Construction began on the project in November 2004. "At the time, the scheduled and contracted date for significant completion was mid-December of 2006," said University spokeswoman Cass Cliatt '96. That date was pushed back to the spring of 2007 after it became apparent that Skanska's progress was slower than expected.
Despite the new deadline, it was soon clear that continued construction setbacks would force yet another delay. Cliatt cautioned that construction projects have the tendency to "ebb and flow," but noted that on this project the time eventually came when it was clear some sort of change was needed. That time came this November when the University replaced Skanska with a new contractor, Bar and Bar, which is now operating on site.
'High praise for Skanska'
The University's split with Skanska is particularly noteworthy given their long and apparently successful affiliation. "We've enjoyed a positive relationship with the University for more than 10 years," said a spokesman for Skanska, who noted the firm has been involved in more than nine projects at the University. The spokesman asked to remain anonymous since the company may work with Princeton again in the future.
Skanska played a prominent role in the construction of Wallace and McDonnell Halls and the renovations of Robertson Hall and Marquand Library. A press release on the University's website quoted vice provost for space planning Bob Barnett praising Skanska for its worth ethic. "With Skanska, we get the A-team," Barnett said. "One of the great qualities in Skanska is their willingness to go the extra mile ... Princeton University has a very high regard for Skanska's ability to construct their most complex and demanding projects on time and within budget."
Barnett is currently on leave and was unable to be reached for comment.
Skanska's spokesman said the University and the corporation parted ways over mutual differences. "We couldn't come to an agreement on the path forward," he said, adding that "the University opted for its convenience to release Skanska on this project."
Cliatt said that the University decided to replace Skanska in recent months because progress was moving more slowly than the University had anticipated, but declined to name specific individuals from either party who might have caused the delay.
"It was a priority for the University to make sure we have people on board to bring about the project in a way we envisioned," she said.
'Learning curve'
Replacing contractors on projects is a rather rare occurrence, particularly when work on a project is as far advanced as the construction of the Lewis Library. Skanska's spokesman said the project was approximately 65 percent complete when the company was let go.
The University's decision has raised questions as to what impact this might have on the overall project budget. According to a press release on Skanska's website, their overall contract with the University was valued at more than $50 million. Cliatt declined to comment on how much the delays have cost the University, saying that it is not the University's policy to discuss contracting issues.
Mok Wai Wan, a Gehry Partners architect working on the library, said that one of the biggest impediments now is familiarizing Bar and Bar with the project.
"If you put a new player into the playing field it will take a substantial amount of time for those individuals to get back to speed," Wan said.
A representative of Bar and Bar declined to comment.
Cliatt said the University hopes to have the project completed during the next academic year, but was unable to pinpoint a specific date. "We are encouraged the work will be completed to the satisfaction of the University," she said.
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