Kanawha County Public Library

Kanawha County Public Library – Charleston, West Virginia

For nearly a decade, a committed core of community leaders in Kanawha County have worked tirelessly to realize the dream of a new main library. After stops and starts, dried up funding, lawsuits and changing leadership, the “reimagined’ library project finally took hold, and PrayWorks has been a critical partner in the project’s success. The combination of a volunteer board of directors and team advocates, and a complicated renovation results in a project that has many opportunities to head south. Sophisticated leaders made a wise decision to bring PrayWorks in as a partner, as a sort of insurance policy for success. 

Ben Thomas remarked, “As the chair of the building committee, it was incredibly helpful to have a turn-key solution. Pray coordinated all aspects of this job on our side and allowed us to focus on what mattered.” Ben added, “He skillfully managed the contractors and architects with professionalism and courtesy.”

The dynamic transformation of the iconic landmark has been very complicated.

Tom Heywood, one of the state’s most active leaders has been intimately involved since the project’s inception. Tom has had considerable experience with Dave Pray in various capacities over the years. “The project experienced a long and winding road in every aspect,” remarked Tom, Chair of the Library Foundation who has led their effort since 2005.  “It was a challenging landscape and we knew the project would benefit from the involvement of PrayWorks and Dave Pray’s tremendous skill in total project delivery.” 

Heywood has tremendous experience in a host of public and private sector projects across West Virginia and he is knowledgeable about the hidden complexities of projects. He comments, “To serve as a project champion with all parties is a difficult task which Dave manages in an engaging and collaborative manner. He is a great listener and skilled at bringing different voices together.”

“When Dave Pray gets involved with a project, he jumps all in. He approaches a project as a full partner and brings all elements in to work cooperatively. Dave Pray embodies collaboration.”  – Tom Heywood

Tom speaks for many involved with the library project when he says, “Dave is a delight to work with, bringing value in ways well beyond the design and construction aspects of the project. He was instrumental in the fundraising and training. He is proactive, thoughtful and a great taskmaster.” He quickly established credibility with the library’s diverse board of directors and skillfully compiled their varying opinions for consideration along with his own field work and the knowledge he brings to bear. He orchestrates beautifully.”

Monika Jaensson, president of the board of directors of the Kanawha County Public Library agrees that Pray’s contribution is invaluable. Monika had no idea how important PrayWorks role would be. She commented. “Prayworks’ full project commitment provides elite construction administration, surprisingly coupled with passion and foresight on non-construction matters.”

Erika Connelly, the library’s Executive Director has appreciated PrayWorks partnership, relieving her from many aspects of the complicated project. She commented, “PrayWorks provides more than just care for the renovation to the building, but participates in the shaping of the customer service experience that we hoped to achieve. Our leadership and renovation teams have been truly pleased with the results of this cornerstone community project and appreciate the leadership provided by PrayWorks.”

Ben agreed saying, “Pray very skillfully and expeditiously recognizes the need to get buy-in and effectively gets the team moving in the correct direction. He was very valuable helping us move into our temporary space. This was a big operation, and his thoughtful guidance was invaluable.”

Renderings by Silling Architects 

Kanawha County Public Library – Charleston, West Virginia

For nearly a decade, a committed core of community leaders in Kanawha County have worked tirelessly to realize the dream of a new main library. After stops and starts, dried up funding, lawsuits and changing leadership, the “reimagined’ library project finally took hold, and PrayWorks has been a critical partner in the project’s success. The combination of a volunteer board of directors and team advocates, and a complicated renovation results in a project that has many opportunities to head south. Sophisticated leaders made a wise decision to bring PrayWorks in as a partner, as a sort of insurance policy for success. 

Ben Thomas remarked, “As the chair of the building committee, it was incredibly helpful to have a turn-key solution. Pray coordinated all aspects of this job on our side and allowed us to focus on what mattered.” Ben added, “He skillfully managed the contractors and architects with professionalism and courtesy.”

The dynamic transformation of the iconic landmark has been very complicated.

Tom Heywood, one of the state’s most active leaders has been intimately involved since the project’s inception. Tom has had considerable experience with Dave Pray in various capacities over the years. “The project experienced a long and winding road in every aspect,” remarked Tom, Chair of the Library Foundation who has led their effort since 2005.  “It was a challenging landscape and we knew the project would benefit from the involvement of PrayWorks and Dave Pray’s tremendous skill in total project delivery.” 

Heywood has tremendous experience in a host of public and private sector projects across West Virginia and he is knowledgeable about the hidden complexities of projects. He comments, “To serve as a project champion with all parties is a difficult task which Dave manages in an engaging and collaborative manner. He is a great listener and skilled at bringing different voices together.”

“When Dave Pray gets involved with a project, he jumps all in. He approaches a project as a full partner and brings all elements in to work cooperatively. Dave Pray embodies collaboration.”  – Tom Heywood

Tom speaks for many involved with the library project when he says, “Dave is a delight to work with, bringing value in ways well beyond the design and construction aspects of the project. He was instrumental in the fundraising and training. He is proactive, thoughtful and a great taskmaster.” He quickly established credibility with the library’s diverse board of directors and skillfully compiled their varying opinions for consideration along with his own field work and the knowledge he brings to bear. He orchestrates beautifully.”

Monika Jaensson, president of the board of directors of the Kanawha County Public Library agrees that Pray’s contribution is invaluable. Monika had no idea how important PrayWorks role would be. She commented. “Prayworks’ full project commitment provides elite construction administration, surprisingly coupled with passion and foresight on non-construction matters.”

Erika Connelly, the library’s Executive Director has appreciated PrayWorks partnership, relieving her from many aspects of the complicated project. She commented, “PrayWorks provides more than just care for the renovation to the building, but participates in the shaping of the customer service experience that we hoped to achieve. Our leadership and renovation teams have been truly pleased with the results of this cornerstone community project and appreciate the leadership provided by PrayWorks.”

Ben agreed saying, “Pray very skillfully and expeditiously recognizes the need to get buy-in and effectively gets the team moving in the correct direction. He was very valuable helping us move into our temporary space. This was a big operation, and his thoughtful guidance was invaluable.”

Renderings by Silling Architects