A new report released by the Center for an Urban Future found significant flaws in how New York City manages capital projects for libraries and cultural institutions.
These projects encounter “staggering delays and exorbitant costs” the report says. The median new library and cultural project takes about seven years to complete and costs $930 per square foot, or roughly twice the cost of building a new office tower in the city, the report says.
The report, a joint project with the Citizens Budget Commission, analyzed 144 capital projects for libraries and cultural organizations completed between fiscal years 2010 and 2014. All were managed by the city’s Department of Design and Construction (DDC).
The report found that even seemingly routine maintenance projects end up taking years. For instance, the median mechanical system upgrade—including replacement and installation of fire alarms, boilers, and heating/cooling systems—took 4.3 years to complete. The study also found that when institutions are granted permission to self-manage capital projects, which is allowed on rare occasions, the projects typically take a fraction of the time and cost roughly 40% less.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Apr 28, 2017
New York man alleged to have posed as licensed architect faces possible prison time
He is charged with defrauding construction companies, business owners, and local governments.
Codes and Standards | Apr 27, 2017
Extensive list of plug load efficiency utility incentives available for free download
The Dept. of Energy resource is a state-by-state compilation with hundreds of listings.
Codes and Standards | Apr 26, 2017
Chicago commits to 100% renewable power for all city buildings
In doing so, it becomes largest U.S. city to make such a pledge.
Codes and Standards | Apr 25, 2017
Concerns over increased construction costs following Trump executive orders
‘Buy American’ requirement and revised H-1B visa restrictions could raise prices on supplies, labor.
Codes and Standards | Apr 20, 2017
California lawmakers have had little success in attracting sports stadiums
Only one of several attempts has had an impact in recent years.
Codes and Standards | Apr 19, 2017
Dept. of Energy releases updated versions of EnergyPlus and OpenStudio building energy modeling tools
The updated versions include full support for variable speed DX coils, enhanced plant auto-sizing, new fan model, and support for non-rectangular windows.
Codes and Standards | Apr 18, 2017
K-12 school daylighting initiative created to promote best practices
Eneref Institute creates networking group of school administrators for ideas to overcome market obstacles.
Codes and Standards | Apr 17, 2017
OSHA delays enforcing crystalline silica standard in construction industry
Enforcement will begin Sept. 23, three months later than planned.
Codes and Standards | Apr 13, 2017
Former OSHA official publishes safety citations on his own
Under Trump orders, agency had stopped issuing ‘shaming’ press releases on major fines and safety violations.
Codes and Standards | Apr 12, 2017
Trump infrastructure task force suggests arbitration to speed projects
Permitting process could be reduced from 10 years to 2 years under the proposal.