Joe and Rika Mansueto Library

Chicago, IL

From Dec. 2008 to October 2009, Case Foundation completed the foundations package for the new Mansueto Library. This unique Library will feature reading and work areas enclosed by a four-story, 38 feet high glass-and-steel dome above ground and a 50 feet deep climate-controlled underground storage vault that houses a 3,000 bin automated system that stores, delivers and retrieves the Library’s 3.5 million archived research materials.

A 120 feet by 240 feet oval structural slurry wall was installed by Case Foundation to a depth of 60 feet, to allow for the excavation of the entire basement. The height of the basement is conditioned by the automated system that will ultimately be installed inside which spans full height. Case Foundation was in charge of the 53,000 cy basement excavation and installation of 334 tie-backs anchoring this basement slurry wall.

Additionally, the foundations for the Mezzanine one-story deep room housing all mechanical A/C equipment for the Library completed Case’s foundations package and required the installation of 125 feet of steel sheeting and 15 rock caissons (2.5 and 3.5 feet diameter). This Mezzanine connects the existing Regenstein Library to the new Mansueto Library.