My Downtown Mall

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Fridays After Five Kicks off Today

Construction Weather: Sunny and Beautiful, 45^oF - 72^oF

Apparently there is some sort of film being shot in/around the Downtown Mall. You may have seen some set similar to this. We don't know yet what exactly is being filmed, but when we find out, you'll be the first to know.

Another new addition to the Mall are the tactile warning strips for the visually impaired. You will find these truncated dome pavers near any interchange where pedestrian may come into conflict with vehicles.

Have a great weekend everyone and enjoy the first Fridays After Five of the 2009 season.

A Swarm of Spring Activity

Construction Weather: Sunny and Beautiful 42^oF - 64^oF

Construction crews and pedestrians were both out in a plenty today because the weather couldn't be more perfect. After a very wet, rainy spring so far, a beautiful day was just what we all needed to draw us outside. Here are a few photos of the flurry of work.

2nd St. West receiving its asphalt base which the brick will sit on top of. The size of the bricks in the vehicular crossing will be 4"x8". The smaller bricks are sturdier in carrying the load of vehicles.

Another picture of the 1st Street granite cruciform.

The final demolition along the 100 East Block. Crews were working in unison to take the old brick up, re-point the joints along the buildings and provide temporary access to buildings. A great display of team work.

Spring has brought cafe patrons out to enjoy some sun and some food along the Mall.

All the utility work along 3rd St. is finished and a new concrete slab has been poured in place.

Another view of the new slab at 3rd St.

At the 4th St. vehicular crossing, a new traffic calming speed hump is being poured.

500 Block is OPEN

Construction Weather: Overcast, Too Cold for April, 41^oF - 51^oF

For all you Mall patrons out there, you'll be happy to know that the 500 Block is now completely open. Free from all construction fences (although it is still awaiting its final cleaning). Enjoy!

The 500 Block with no more construction fences up. Almost done.

The installation of the 5th St. granite cruciform.

The new bike racks are installed. Whoops! (J/K) But I guess this is one way to use the new hardware.

Coming Soon - to a Crossing Near You

Construction Weather: Overcast, Scattered Showers, 38^oF - 51^oF

The Granite Cruciform Crossings are really taking shape. As are the new Vehicular Crossings. Have a look! Keep in mind the dates and times below the pictures to see how quickly the progress happens.

4th Street

4th St. East Granite Cruciform getting underway. Monday April 13, Morning

1st Street

1st St. Granite Cruciform on Wednesday April 8-Morning

1st St. Granite Cruciform on Wednesday April 8-Afternoon

1st St. Granite Cruciform on Wednesday April 13-Morning

2nd St. West

2nd St. West Crossing - Wednesday April 8 - Demolition

2nd St. West Crossing - Monday April 13 - Slab has been partially replaced and crews are already rehabilitating the drainage runnel.

The First (St.) Crossing & a Fire Truck

Construction Weather: Clear - Maybe some Afternoon Showers, 43^oF - 70^oF

Well, a swarm of activity can be seen along the mall, and things are closer to being done than they may appear. Here's a quick update of whats happening now.

So what does a newly renovated area of the mall look like? Well, look no further, just take a look at the new center place.

The City of Charlottesville Fire Department came out yesterday to test fire truck access along the Corridor of the mall, and things are looking great!

The first intersection to receive it's new attire is none other than the 1st. Street Crossing! The new granite looks beautiful!

The granite elements of the mall were one intention of the original design by Lawrence Halprin. However due to budget constraints in the 1970's the element was not incorporated. So, it is at long last that this element of the original vision is being brought to fruition.

New Vehicular Crossings - On the Way!

Construction Weather: Clear, 36^oF - 56^oF

While walking down the mall on these fine spring days we've had lately, you probably have noticed a few rather large pits - where the vehicular crossings once were. So why are these intersections being overhauled so drastically?

When the Mall was originally completed in 1976 the 4th St. East and 2nd St. West crossings were not open to vehicles. It was years later when these two crossings were opened to vehicles, however, the cars passing over the bricks and mortar weigh just a tad more than your average walking pedestrian. Engineers evaluated the existing slab to be inadequate to carry the loads that vehicles bring to the equation. Therefore, we will now have new and improved - albeit much stronger vehicular crossings.

2nd St. West undergoing demolition

4th St. East displaying its new steel reinforcement proudly.

Another honorable mention to today post is the new work being done at the Icepark and Omni Plaza.

And on the 87th Day - Let there be light

Construction Weather: Overcast and drizzling, 35^oF - 61^oF

The hour has finally arrived when one of the Downtown Mall's most prominent features is finally being rehabilitated. The new light poles and fixtures are going in all over the Mall. Here are a few pics...

Out with the old and in with the new (although they are identical so who can really tell)