by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
According to the mayor’s office, a decision is still pending on whether Super Bowl-related activities will be held in the new Main Library.
In March, a Jacksonville Public Library Committee discussed using the building as a one-time party and entertainment venue.
Board member Bruce Barcelo said it would be a good “money-making opportunity,” though Mayor John Peyton said he didn’t want to delay opening the building to the public.
Peyton spokesperson Heather Murphy said that concern would remain at the forefront of ongoing discussions before a final decision is made.
“As the mayor has said before, we won’t allow it to be used as a Super Bowl venue if that means opening it at a later date,” she said. “It is under budget, on schedule and will open on time, but we also want to be assured the kind of activities being considered are appropriate for the building.”
The library isn’t scheduled for completion until the end of the year and Better Jacksonville Plan representatives said several more weeks after that will be required while books, furniture and other materials are moved in.
Plan spokesperson Marcie Cook said construction is roughly 25 percent complete.
“Even though work on the outside of the building is progressing, it’s a little deceiving,” she said. “There is still a lot of work that needs to be addressed inside.”
Cook confirmed there have been no delays and the project has remained on schedule.
“There are literally people working on every floor, making sure we are getting everything taken care of,” she said,
According to Cook, weather sealant, heating and air duct construction and concrete molding for the building’s fifth floor roof are currently being addressed.
“There have been very few concerns and things are progressing at a very nice pace,” she said.
Cook said a previously reported steel shortage is not a major concern at this time.
“That was something that was out there, but I can assure you it is nothing to worry about,” she said. “Our construction team is aware of what materials we have available to us and they are being mindful about that while they continue to work towards completing the project.
“The amount of steel we have will have no impact on that.”