Shorewood Library terminates contract over window replacement

SHOREWOOD The Shorewood-Troy Library District board has pulled the plug on a contractor working one of its largest construction projects, further delaying the project's completion.

Library Board members voted Thursday to terminate a contract with Evanston-based Continental Construction, Inc. to reconstruct a new window-wall after the company ceased communication with library officials and architect firm Tria Architecture, Director Jennie Mills said.

"We thought things were moving smoothly in December, but we have lost all contact with them," Mills said. "They aren't responding to communications through email, phone calls, and the architect hasn't been able to reach them either."

Mills said officials last heard from Continental on Dec. 18, and the company last worked on the wall Dec. 29.

"As of Jan. 1, they stopped reaching out to us," she said.

A message left Friday by The Herald-News with a Continental employee seeking comment wasn't immediately returned.

Mills said about $13,000 has been paid to Continental for work done so far, but most of that money was paid to subcontractors. The only steps left for the project are drywall construction, painting, decorative details and the window glass installation.

"We're consulting with Tria Architecture and our attorney to clean up legal issues this left behind," Mills said, adding that staff is figuring out how to pay the remaining subcontractors who have completed work.

Mills said a building committee meeting is set for 7 p.m. Jan. 20 to determine next steps, which likely will include making a decision on a new contractor.

The termination comes after Continental delayed the project several times, Mills said.

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Shorewood Library terminates contract over window replacement