The big news of today is that the contractors and engineers have now figured out a way to avoid the previously announced closure of Jackson Avenue which was to have occurred on Thursday and Friday of this week. Even better news is that we also plan to completely reopen Jackson Avenue on Monday, April 20, 2009.
Of course the 100 Block will also completely close at that time and the removal of the asphalt and pavement will begin. There will probably be a brief period of time, either Monday afternoon or Tuesday, where the old trolley track will be completely exposed. Of course this too will be removed as part of the reconstruction. I plan to try to get some pictures and will post them here when that happens.
Hopefully our promotional signage will be able to be installed on Monday as well. For anyone interested, Martha Kopp of Exibitor Source there on the 100 block also has some brochures to be distributed to folks announcing the businesses on the 100 block and promoting the finished product.
I will post a new detour map which reflects this new info regarding closure and will be removing my previous post concerning links to maps to avoid confusion.
Jackson Avenue will require some additional work but not until the 100 Block of Gay Street is reopened.
The contractor also expects to begin some work on the sidewalks next week, beginning at the Volunteer Ministry building. Much of the work to begin with will occur under the sidewalk as the Contractor breaks through the interior walls so access for the total area under the sidewalk can be achieved. Other work will be needed as well so the demolition of the sidewalks can begin. This work may be a little noisy so please bear with us. If any tenant or building owner has not secured their wall under the sidewalk yet, please do so and of course remove anything that might be in the way or could be damaged. If you know of a neighbor or owner who does not keep up with this project, please help us by informing them of this work in the underground spaces.
We hope to finally have resolution to the materials handling issue on Friday so we can begin hauling off excavated material and can also begin to dismantle "Mount Jackson" on the Jackson Avenue parking lot.
The contractor was kind enough to bring in one of his tractor trailers to experiment on the possibility of using State St. to the 200 block of Gay for loading and unloading and we are happy to report that the turn worked out. His truck is not the very largest available but is close so hopefully that will work out.
We believe we have a solution for folks moving in and out as well and I will post more on that when I am sure of all of the details.
As far as timing for the project, we are still on schedule and when we begin the sidewalk work and get the pavement on the 100 block taken up, I hope we can begin to make some reasonable guesses as to when the sidewalk in front of each business will be impacted.
Someone posed a question as to Vine St. going to two way and that is going to happen at some point due to utility work.
Various events downtown in the next few weeks were noted so everyone could be prepared.
Last, best wishes to Leigh Burch and his new management folks with the former Club 106 now to be known as Southbound Bar and Grill in the Old City.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Stairway and Security
The stairway from lower Jackson Avenue in front of Heuristic Workshop is now reopened.
Also, KPD has informed me that everything is in place to purchase and install state of the art security cameras for the parking lot on Jackson Avenue. We are also working on signage for the parking lot as well as a plan to make the lot more attractive to folks on the 100 Block and their visitors.
Promotional signage to be placed at either end of the 100 Block closure has been ordered and should be in place soon.
Thanks to those attending our meeting last night. The next meeting is scheduled for April 28, 2009 at 5:00pm at the Emporium for an update on construction and other issues.
Also, KPD has informed me that everything is in place to purchase and install state of the art security cameras for the parking lot on Jackson Avenue. We are also working on signage for the parking lot as well as a plan to make the lot more attractive to folks on the 100 Block and their visitors.
Promotional signage to be placed at either end of the 100 Block closure has been ordered and should be in place soon.
Thanks to those attending our meeting last night. The next meeting is scheduled for April 28, 2009 at 5:00pm at the Emporium for an update on construction and other issues.
Jackson Avenue Closure
Since the 100 Block closure is now scheduled to occur on Monday, April 20,2009 there is some additional utility work to be completed on Jackson Ave.which will necessitate the complete closure of Jackson Ave. in front of Volunteer Ministry. Continued electrical work is ongoing, but specifically, a waterline must be replaced which spans all of Jackson Ave. This work will take place on Thursday April, 16 and Friday April 17. Jackson Avenue will then be partially reopened late Friday April 17. Maps will be posted on the City website soon and I will also provide a link here.
Basically, folks will be able to travel both ways from Central in the Old City up to Gay St. until the end of the week and then turn either direction onto Gay Street but will not be able to proceed to Broadway. From Broadway, travel is 2 way up to the City parking lot on Jackson Ave. but will be closed just beyond that point. Of course the sidewalk will be open for folks parking and walking up To S. Gay Street.
On Monday, Jackson will be partially closed in front of Volunteer Ministry such that travel is allowed from Central and the Old City, down Jackson Ave. all the way to Broadway or turning north onto Gay Street at the Gay Street Viaduct. Traffic will be limited from Gay Street to Jackson westbound only until you reach the parking lot where two way travel is again available.
I realize it is confusing so I encourage you to view the map.
100 Block S. Gay Street Road Closure Starting April 20 [PDF]
Thanks for your ongoing patience.
Basically, folks will be able to travel both ways from Central in the Old City up to Gay St. until the end of the week and then turn either direction onto Gay Street but will not be able to proceed to Broadway. From Broadway, travel is 2 way up to the City parking lot on Jackson Ave. but will be closed just beyond that point. Of course the sidewalk will be open for folks parking and walking up To S. Gay Street.
On Monday, Jackson will be partially closed in front of Volunteer Ministry such that travel is allowed from Central and the Old City, down Jackson Ave. all the way to Broadway or turning north onto Gay Street at the Gay Street Viaduct. Traffic will be limited from Gay Street to Jackson westbound only until you reach the parking lot where two way travel is again available.
I realize it is confusing so I encourage you to view the map.
100 Block S. Gay Street Road Closure Starting April 20 [PDF]
Thanks for your ongoing patience.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Metro Pulse Article
Jack Neely of the Metro Pulse has written an article in this weeks addition concerning the 'Underground' area along Gay Street.
It is a very informative article but I wanted to make it clear that I am very much in favor of this project. I am not sure the article, although accurate, came out that way.
As you all know, I deal with Engineers, Inspectors, and Construction folks often and I look at the complexities with that view.
That being said, and as David Dehirst pointed out, we can find a way if the desire is there and I will assist in any way I can.
As was pointed out, we are installing new glass blocks now and are removing interior walls to make this project more feasible in the future and when we begin the design work on the Jackson Avenue ramps, that will very much be a consideration.
It is a very informative article but I wanted to make it clear that I am very much in favor of this project. I am not sure the article, although accurate, came out that way.
As you all know, I deal with Engineers, Inspectors, and Construction folks often and I look at the complexities with that view.
That being said, and as David Dehirst pointed out, we can find a way if the desire is there and I will assist in any way I can.
As was pointed out, we are installing new glass blocks now and are removing interior walls to make this project more feasible in the future and when we begin the design work on the Jackson Avenue ramps, that will very much be a consideration.
Construction Update
Much of the discussion continues to center on materials handling which greatly impacts the timing of the construction. We know for sure that we will have to separate out at least some of the material but those details, and the permits required, are being worked out. Once that is accomplished we can also begin to haul off, as the Contractors call it, "Mount Jackson".
The 100 Block of Gay Street will be closed beginning on April 20, 2009. It is estimated that it will take one week to take up the asphalt. Measures to control dust are under discussion and will likely involve several different methods.
A press release will be going out soon announcing this closure which is scheduled to be in effect for 12 months. A revised detour map will be on the City web site shortly detailing this closure.
Sidewalk work will probably begin shortly thereafter, most likely beginning over at the Volunteer Mission site and proceeding south.
The partial closure of Jackson will remain for another six weeks, hopefully less. The work will be shifting over at some point and will create the reverse of the current partial closure on Jackson. When that occurs, Jackson will become two way once again from Gay Street to Central and one way from the parking lot on Jackson Avenue to Gay Street with left turn only onto Gay Street. A map will also be shown on the City web site when that occurs.
This work at Jackson is needed due to the extensive electrical upgrades needed in the 100 Block.
The parking lot at Jackson continues to be discussed and I hope to report more on that later. The general condition of the lot, security, and signage are some of the topics.
I am also in discussion with Engineering, KPD, and the Contractor regarding the best way to handle the loading and unloading issues which will occur. We will probably bag some of the meters along State for this purpose and are also discussing possibly making 15 minute parking available in a spot or two on the Gay Street Viaduct.
I also want to take this opportunity to thank Terry Snelling of Southern Contractors for all of his help in working out these issues. He attends our meetings and has been fantastic to work with.
As reported yesterday, I have scheduled a meeting on Monday, April 13, 2009 at 5:00pm in the Chamber of Commerce Conference Room on Market Square (about mid block) to discuss the upcoming construction and to also discuss any other issues. I have also scheduled a meeting on Tuesday April 28, 2009 at 5:00 pm at the Emporium to discuss issues after the road is closed.
I have talked to the City about garbage collection during this period and it will be handled as it is today. Folks that take their garbage to the curb will continue to do so, for instance, and we will come and get it there.
All of the events on First Friday seemed to go well so we are all hoping for the best as the project moves forward.
Last, signage is being discussed and hopefully will be ordered and in place near the time of the closure. The current proposal is for an 8'X 4'sign naming the businesses and with a depiction of the finished construction to be placed on a construction barricade at one side of the closure.
Happy Easter to everyone.
The 100 Block of Gay Street will be closed beginning on April 20, 2009. It is estimated that it will take one week to take up the asphalt. Measures to control dust are under discussion and will likely involve several different methods.
A press release will be going out soon announcing this closure which is scheduled to be in effect for 12 months. A revised detour map will be on the City web site shortly detailing this closure.
Sidewalk work will probably begin shortly thereafter, most likely beginning over at the Volunteer Mission site and proceeding south.
The partial closure of Jackson will remain for another six weeks, hopefully less. The work will be shifting over at some point and will create the reverse of the current partial closure on Jackson. When that occurs, Jackson will become two way once again from Gay Street to Central and one way from the parking lot on Jackson Avenue to Gay Street with left turn only onto Gay Street. A map will also be shown on the City web site when that occurs.
This work at Jackson is needed due to the extensive electrical upgrades needed in the 100 Block.
The parking lot at Jackson continues to be discussed and I hope to report more on that later. The general condition of the lot, security, and signage are some of the topics.
I am also in discussion with Engineering, KPD, and the Contractor regarding the best way to handle the loading and unloading issues which will occur. We will probably bag some of the meters along State for this purpose and are also discussing possibly making 15 minute parking available in a spot or two on the Gay Street Viaduct.
I also want to take this opportunity to thank Terry Snelling of Southern Contractors for all of his help in working out these issues. He attends our meetings and has been fantastic to work with.
As reported yesterday, I have scheduled a meeting on Monday, April 13, 2009 at 5:00pm in the Chamber of Commerce Conference Room on Market Square (about mid block) to discuss the upcoming construction and to also discuss any other issues. I have also scheduled a meeting on Tuesday April 28, 2009 at 5:00 pm at the Emporium to discuss issues after the road is closed.
I have talked to the City about garbage collection during this period and it will be handled as it is today. Folks that take their garbage to the curb will continue to do so, for instance, and we will come and get it there.
All of the events on First Friday seemed to go well so we are all hoping for the best as the project moves forward.
Last, signage is being discussed and hopefully will be ordered and in place near the time of the closure. The current proposal is for an 8'X 4'sign naming the businesses and with a depiction of the finished construction to be placed on a construction barricade at one side of the closure.
Happy Easter to everyone.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
100 Block Meeting
I have scheduled a meeting on Monday, April 13, 2009 at 5:00pm at the Chamber of Commerce Conference Room on Market Square, to provide an update on our Streetscapes project. Please help get the word out. Thanks
Agenda
1.) Call to Order
2.) Update on construction to date
3.) Next steps in construction and tentative dates
4.) Other issues
5.) Adjourn
Agenda
1.) Call to Order
2.) Update on construction to date
3.) Next steps in construction and tentative dates
4.) Other issues
5.) Adjourn
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Construction Update
Electrical work continues to cause concerns as we work through the process of discovering the locations and conditions of the various utilities in the 100 Block.
It is very likely that the 100 Block will now be completely shut down for one year beginning on April 20, 2009.
We had hoped to have Jackson completely reopened at that time but the need for additional electrical work will cause us to have to keep the configuration we are currently using in place for a little longer.
This will allow us to keep the project on schedule.
I will set up a meeting either at the Emporium or Commerce Lofts Conference Room, probably on April 14, 2009 at 5pm. When that date and time is confirmed, I will send out notice to everyone along with a press release. At that meeting, the Contractor and Engineers can describe the next steps.
We are still working on issues related to materials handling but continue to hope that the minor issues left will get worked out soon.
Parking areas for loading/unloading and signage are being discussed in Engineering and we hope to have some proposals for that by the next meeting.
Martha Kopp and her folks at Exhibitor Source by Skyline have created a very nice sign that she is circulating among folks on the 100 Block for review which is to be placed on construction barricades at either end of the 100 Block. These signs will likely be 4'X 8', color with the finished rendering of the completed 100 Block and current businesses listed. Thanks to Martha and Michelle at CBID for their work in getting this done. Other promotions will hopefully be planned in the future.
Many events are going on downtown this month and particularly this weekend and the Contractor is taking measures to work with us and for that we are very grateful.
Also best wishes to Stanton Webster at Nama who is to be married this weekend.
Also, congratulations to Jeffery Nash and the Crown and Goose in the Old City on their one year anniversary.
It is very likely that the 100 Block will now be completely shut down for one year beginning on April 20, 2009.
We had hoped to have Jackson completely reopened at that time but the need for additional electrical work will cause us to have to keep the configuration we are currently using in place for a little longer.
This will allow us to keep the project on schedule.
I will set up a meeting either at the Emporium or Commerce Lofts Conference Room, probably on April 14, 2009 at 5pm. When that date and time is confirmed, I will send out notice to everyone along with a press release. At that meeting, the Contractor and Engineers can describe the next steps.
We are still working on issues related to materials handling but continue to hope that the minor issues left will get worked out soon.
Parking areas for loading/unloading and signage are being discussed in Engineering and we hope to have some proposals for that by the next meeting.
Martha Kopp and her folks at Exhibitor Source by Skyline have created a very nice sign that she is circulating among folks on the 100 Block for review which is to be placed on construction barricades at either end of the 100 Block. These signs will likely be 4'X 8', color with the finished rendering of the completed 100 Block and current businesses listed. Thanks to Martha and Michelle at CBID for their work in getting this done. Other promotions will hopefully be planned in the future.
Many events are going on downtown this month and particularly this weekend and the Contractor is taking measures to work with us and for that we are very grateful.
Also best wishes to Stanton Webster at Nama who is to be married this weekend.
Also, congratulations to Jeffery Nash and the Crown and Goose in the Old City on their one year anniversary.
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