Atlanta firm closes the book on library deal
Jacksonville Business Journal - by Susanna Barton
One of Atlanta's largest architectural firms will head the Better Jacksonville Plan's $150 million libraries project.
Heery International, which ranked second on Atlanta Business Chronicle's listing of largest architectural firms last year, plans to open a Jacksonville office.
The company has annual revenue of about $200 million and 30 offices across the country.
It completed an "almost identical project" for the city of Nashville, said Jacksonville City Libraries Project Manager Rex Holmlin.
"They will manage the program, it's almost like being a circus ringmaster," he said.
Heery will coordinate the construction of the new main library and the renovation of 12 additional libraries around the city.
Like other program managers the city has chosen for the BJP, Heery will work with city officials to choose construction managers, architects, engineers and other planners to complete the project.
The job is expected to cost the city $150 million -- $95 million for the construction of a 300,000 square-foot main library near City Hall. The main library project is expected to be complete by mid-2003.
The remainder of the money will fund the construction of six new libraries around the city and existing library renovation.
