Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Warsaw Community Library is installing a limited use/limited application elevator to replace the current lift at the main entrance.
According to public relations assistant Jo Ann Byers, the current lift is awkward for wheelchairs and it jams easily whenever it gets unbalanced. The LULA elevator is more efficient, bigger and easier to operate.
The LULA elevator is "user- friendly," said library director Ann Zydek.
Working with the library on this project is Michiana Lift and Equipment Inc., a company that specializes in elevators. They picked Concord's Horizon elevator for the library.
Zydek said LULA elevators were not possible to get in Indiana earlier and have only recently been made available. According to Zydek, this is a fairly new development and the library staff is excited about it.
Since the beginning of the year, Zydek said, the library had a choice between using the available money for the elevator or introducing Sunday hours. After having to unstick the current lift several times in one month, the library board decided to go with the elevator.
According to Zydek, the estimated cost of the project is $66,000 and construction should start in September. D&C Construction will install the elevator, and the architect is Scearce Rudisel in Winona Lake.
Tentative shipping date for the elevator is Sept. 11, Zydek said. The contractor will need two weeks to work before being able to install the elevator itself. Elevator work is expected to start Sept. 25. Work on the whole project should last about four weeks. This shouldn't interfere with the main entrance, however.
Byers did say the main entrance will be inaccessible to handicapped people, who will have to use the East Detroit Street ramp entrance.
Zydek said the contractor is expected to be finished by Oct. 20.
