Construction Update - January 21, 2010

Thankfully the weather has gotten much better and we were able to get quite a lot done this past week. The 200 Block of S. Gay Street is getting close to completion as evidenced by the next two pictures below. Due to some equipment issues with a subcontractor, we have had to continue the lane closure on Summit Hill. We plan to have this lane reopened on Friday of this week. Shortly thereafter, we will begin the work on the intersection of S. Gay Street and Vine Avenue. We plan to make the valet parking and deliveries available on the newly resurfaced part of the 200 Block of S. Gay Street at that time. Most likely it will take a week or two to finish up that intersection depending primarily on the weather.

Work is continuing on the sidewalks in the 100 Block of S. Gay Street. It has been challenging so far to keep access to all of the buildings while continuing the work. Southern Constructors continues to do a fine job here in trying to accommodate the needs of all of the folks affected by the construction. It is really has been a testament to their abilities in coordinating all of the subcontractors and the subcontractors of the subs as well as their own people.

As reflected in the picture below (thanks to George Richardson for this picture) the Contractor has been able to pull up the old sidewalk as one big slab which has really helped in demolition.

Again, weather permitting we hope to finish this next section in the next week or two such that we can then move over onto the eastern sidewalk in front of the Emporium around February 9 for the rest of February. This will give us time to finish up with utility relocation and the drilling of micropiles needed to create two entirely new columns to support the sidewalk in the Unarmed Merchants area. The picture below reflects just how complicated this utility relocation underground is. Although KUB has completed their work, Massey Electric is now completing the portion of the work from the retaining wall into some of the structures, primarily on Dewhirst Properties. Any outages here should be minor in length of time.

I was privileged to give KPD a tour of the underground areas as well as the areas surrounding the 100 Block last week so they can remain current with all of the access points as well as to discuss issues related to security. These folks have a tough job and I am thankful for the job they do.

I am planning another Streetscapes update meeting for February 16, 2010 at 5:00 pm at the Emporium and will get out a press release soon so please mark your calenders.

As always, thanks for your interest.