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41 °F 5 Day Forecast Wednesday, November 26, 2003 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | eSouthernOregon | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find a Rental Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Email Story to a Friend October 22, 2003 Marred stonework delays library opening By DAMIAN MANN Mail Tribune Unsightly blotches have mysteriously marred the signature stonework on the new Medford library and scuttled plans for a January opening. What caused the chalky buildup is still open to debate. "Nobody seems to know why it doesn’t look as good as it should," said Ronnie Budge, Jackson County Library Services director. "Obviously we’re not going to open Jan. 12 as expected." The apparent solution is to sandblast the buildup away at a cost of $60,000, delaying the opening by six to eight weeks. Advertisement The discoloration has affected large beige-colored blocks that resemble limestone on both the interior and exterior of the building. The discoloration isn’t apparent from the street, however. "Most people don’t notice it until it’s pointed out," said John Yeoman, superintendent of the library project. A sandblasting test conducted Monday appeared to clear up the blemishes. Earlier attempts using chemicals to strip the surface failed. Contractors don’t expect the blotches to reappear. Yeoman said much of the interior work, including carpet laying, has come to a halt until the sandblasting is finished. Who will pay for the sandblasting depends on what caused the problem. "We’re hoping the expense doesn’t fall on the county," said Budge, who believes the manmade blocks were installed according to manufacturer’s specifications. Budge said some speculate the discoloration may be caused by efflorescence, in which moisture in masonry material wicks out, leaving a whitish powder behind. But the contractor believes an acrylic compound sprayed on the surface of the stonework at the manufacturer caused the problem. Budge also pointed out that some of the blocks have a uniform appearance, while other areas have considerable variation, suggesting they are from different batches. Also, curved blocks used to cover the columns appear to be immune from the problem, she said. Budge said the project should still come in just under the library’s construction budget of $14,028,000. The overall project, which includes design, furniture and other fixtures, has been budgeted at $18 million. It is part of a $38.9 million library bond approved by county voters in 2000 to expand or construct 14 branches. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback 3 WEEKS FREE! ADVERTISERS SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times