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Thu. September 21, 2006, 06:46am PDT
Downtown construction mini mystery
Anyone who attended last May's public spaces workshop knows that the topic of better pedestrian access around town would be great where possible. One glaring spot is at the entrance to the Bridge of Glass where a large, iron fence stands. I don't recall if it's for security reasons or to help boost ticket sales at the Wash. State History Museum or what but it's truly unfortunate to have to wind around rather than walk straight onto and over the bridge.
Got an email yesterday pointing to some work being done right there at the fence itself. I drove by on my way home to find the barrier completely gone save for a bunch of construction equipment taking its place. Couldn't find any records on the city's website so I leave it to my faithful readers. Any idea what they're doing? Did they take our advice and decide to remove that fence? Is it just some mundane utility work over which they'll again return the iron barrier? If it is, can we convince them to leave it removed?
Thanks Jake!
P.S. - They city really should have location-based info on construction and/or public works jobs being done. Need a helpful web company to help you make that happen? I happen to know one. ;)
Thu. September 21, 2006, 08:34am PDT
3rd Thursday Artwalk tonight
Since summer's not officially over 'til Friday I can still say, with some accuracy that this summer's 3rd Thursday Artwalks are still going on. Yeah, I know, I'm stretchin'. Nevertheless, grab that rain gear (shorts and sandals, anyone?) and enjoy all kinds of free art tonight.
Head on over to the Trib for their rundown of what'll be open. Enjoy it for me as I'll be taking in some other musical art over at Jazzbones.
Thu. September 21, 2006, 12:46pm PDT
Downtown construction mini mystery solved
Earlier this morning I brought up a bit of construction happening where a fence stood on Pacific blocking direct access to the Bridge of Glass. Didn't know what was going on until now. After lunch I approached one of the construction workers at this spot and asked what they were doing. He says they're putting in a solid brick wall that matches the WSHM facad. He also said it'll have some kind of metal (aluminum?) artwork on it when it's all done.
Whoever planned this project and for whatever reason they are completely tossing aside the walkability of our downtown in favor of something else. Once complete, folks will not only have to weave around a bit to get to the Bridge of Glass and points beyond but now they won't even be able to see it from Pacific Ave. This stinks! It's a shame, too, because as the construction stands now no barrier exists and the view and openness is great. Get down there now before a bad decision is set in stone.
In the words of one N. Dynamite: "Idiots!"
Update (1:55pm)
Thanks again to Jake for digging up a couple docs. One is an easement Tacoma Public Utilities had on the area that prevented any permanent construction. He also sent along a release of the easement that took place early this year clearing the way for whatever the land owner wanted. In this case: a brick wall. The owner: Washington State Historical Society.
Link to the easement and release of easement docs
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