A work crew began installing construction fencing between the city-owned parking lot and the sidewalk in front of businesses at the U-shaped Jackson Square shopping center on Monday. It’s the start of a $1 million rebuild of the parking lot in the city’s original town center.
Construction work has started on the $1 million rebuild of the parking lot area at Jackson Square, Oak Ridge’s original town center.
Crews started putting up construction fencing on Monday. Project executives and city officials plan to complete the work in 180 days, or roughly six months—before the Lavender Festival in June.
The construction contract was awarded to Rich Construction Inc. of Lenoir City by the Oak Ridge City Council in October.
The work includes removing the existing traffic islands and trees, cleaning the site, and adding to relocating utilities, including electrical lines that are now above ground, said Angel Rich Johnson, president of Rich Construction. Underground water lines will supply a new interactive water feature to be installed in the center of the parking lot.
There will also be benches, parking, new lights, changes to the angle parking, and lots of landscaping and other improvements, said Johnson and Roger Flynn, Oak Ridge Public Works engineer. City officials have said the landscaped pedestrian plaza will also have stone pavers, curbing, sidewalks, and upgrades under the American with Disabilities Act. The work will include some green space and a newly configured and modernized parking lot.
“It’s going to be a huge improvement to the square,” Johnson said.
The work is funded with help from a $741,609 Tennessee Department of Transportation Enhancement Grant that was awarded to the city in June 2012. The TDOT grant covers 80 percent of the work, and it requires a 20 percent city match.
Angel Rich Johnson, left, president of Rich Construction Inc. of Lenoir City, and Roger Flynn, Oak Ridge Public Works engineer, are pictured above at Jackson Square on Monday.
Construction workers are trying to reduce the impact on the businesses in Jackson Square.
“Quite frankly, that’s probably my highest priority,” Johnson said.
At the request of merchants, the project was delayed until after January 1—after the holiday shopping season was over, she said.
On Monday, workers were putting up a chain link fence around the parking lot—but continuing to allow access to the sidewalk in front of the Jackson Square businesses. The fence will secure the inner work area and heavy equipment.
Oak Ridge City Manager Mark Watson has said the revitalization project will update Jackson Square and make it more inviting.
The city has improved the Farmers Market parking lot on the north side of Broadway to help with parking while the Jackson Square parking lot is being renovated.
The city’s share of the construction project is estimated at $293,617. The city is responsible for 100 percent of the cost of engineering services for project design and for 100 percent of any construction costs over the 80 percent TDOT budget amount.
The City Council awarded a $150,000 contract for design services for the Jackson Square project in February 2013.
See a larger version of the improvements map image here. It’s also included on Page 7 of this City Council agenda packet.
Carol Donath says
Looks like it will be difficult for some people to access the stores unless they can park across the street.
Mark Caldwell says
I’m extremely excited about this renovation. If there is ever an area in town that Oak Ridge can improve its image, it’s at the original town site. Thank you COR.
Carol Donath says
Even though it may be difficult for some people to park across the street, I do hope the businesses will not suffer from lack of traffic. I had noticed earlier this year that the square was completely full and so it appeared business was pretty good.
Mark Caldwell says
It appears that the business in Jackson Square are still doing well. Can you imagine how much better they’ll be doing after completion of the renovation? Wonder how many new businesses will be in the Square this time next year?
johnhuotari says
Carol, it was my impression from my conversations with Roger Flynn and Angel Rich Johnson that the city and Rich Construction are going to do what they can to minimize the impact on the businesses in Jackson Square. The city has said previously that it improved the Farmers Market parking lot on the north side of Broadway to help with parking while the Jackson Square parking lot is being renovated.
Thank you,
John
WK Hyatt says
Question: What happened to the work the City Council voted to do in the lower ticket booth parking lot at Blankenship Field to tie in with the new visitors side bleachers?
Carol Donath says
Yes, it’s important to keep all of the businesses in mind, not just the restaurants. Cutie Patootie’s needs help I understand too.