Summer Construction in District 8

Construction season is underway! If you live on any block where the construction is taking place, this is not new to you. Here are a few updates with pictures:

Moving St. Francis House

The historic elements of the St. Francis House are currently on stilts and preparing to move to its new location closer University Avenue. The building will start moving north this week, and once the foundation is complete, move slightly to the west. The move should be completed by the end of the month.  

Spring and Orchard

The project is well underway and should be completed by August 15th. In addition to new pavement and sewers, this project will contain pedestrian lighting. 

Southwest Bike Path

Beginning Thursday, June 14, 2012 at 7:00 am, the Southwest Bike Path will be closed at N. Orchard Street. Work is expected to be completed and this section of the Southwest Bike Path to be open to pedestrian and bicycle traffic by 7:00 am Friday, June 15, 2012. This phase of the project consists of the installation of a water main on N. Orchard Street. Click here to see the detour. 

Additionally, pedestrian scale lighting has been added alongside of the Charter Street Heating Plant. That project should be completed by December of 2012. 

North Frances Street

The street construction is progressing well and new piping has already be laid on half the block. 

One noticeable environmental concern has been the amount of sediment flowing into the lake. A barrier set up to catch the sediment was toppled during a storm over Memorial Day weekend. The contractor has reinforced the barrier and it appears to be holding. The City and I have been monitoring the situation regularly to limit the environmental impact of the construction. 

Gordon Commons and Lake Street

The building will be open for the 2012 Fall semester. 

Brothers Bar & Grill (704-738 University Avenue)

All tenants have moved from the location and the University has been granted a permit demolish the buildings in anticipation for a new performing arts center within the next few years. 

925-933 West Johnson Street

The University was also granted these demolition permits and the expansion of the parking lot should begin later this summer.