Location: 1221 N. Central Ave., on the southeast corner of Willetta Street in central Phoenix.
Description: Phoenix is continuing to upgrade the Burton Barr Central Library.
As part of a capital improvement project that began in late 2024, the city is replacing the library’s entire fire suppression system.
While construction will continue throughout the rest of the year, the 280,000-square-foot facility will remain open for normal operating hours. There will, however, be temporary restrictions and the relocation of public library services, according to the city.
The ongoing work is expected to create dust and debris, noise from drilling, vibrations from heavy equipment and parking impacts.
Phoenix noted that it’s tasked with routinely updating, replacing
and improving many features of the building “that serves a diverse population and welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.”
“The project is large and includes a lot of moving parts,” the city stated.
History: Construction at the library began in November 2024.
The project comprised two capital improvements to the facility: replacing the fire suppression system and upgrading various roofs throughout the building, according to the city.
Both endeavors were to be done simultaneously, the city stated.
Work was initially expected to wrap up by September 2025.
When will the work be done? It’s unclear when Phoenix anticipates the project to be finished.
Is there something under construction you'd like to tell us about or find out more about? Contact the reporter. Shawn Raymundo covers the East Valley city of Scottsdale. Reach him at sraymundo@gannett.com or follow him on X @ShawnzyTsunami.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What's the work at Burton Barr library in central Phoenix?
