Welcome, Trees!

The trees are here!

Their roots are in burlap sacs...

Some are oak...

Some are maple...

 And they'll soon be put-up vertically.

 Right now they're just chillin' in the rain.

Photos by Simone Truemner-Caron

Granite Down, But Still More To Go...

The granite has successfully been installed between 401 Richmond and Spadina.

Granite portions of sidewalk finished.

The construction work on the north side of 401 Richmond is complete. Now we're waiting for the rain to stop and shipments to arrive, so that the rest of the granite and the trees can be installed.

A man walks along the unfinished sidewalk, not seeming to mind the huge holes. 

The concrete under the burlap is drying, protected from the rain.

Notice that the amount of truck poo in the ditch seems to be growing... a sure sign of progress.

Photos by Simone Truemner-Caron

Healthy Trees, Please

Ernie Summers, the municipal inspector, explains that the tree roots are able to extend underground past the actual square where the trees will be planted. This will allow enough root room to support lots of tree growth.

Ernie also explains that just before planting the trees, they will dig out all garbage and concrete trailings down to the soil, and then fill it up with topsoil. The trees to inhabit this sidewalk will most likely be maples and elms.

Photos courtesy of Margie Zeidler

Luxurious Sidewalk Additions: Granite Beginnings

Granite instillations are in full-swing. This is how it works:

1) Lay down a rough layer of concrete.

 2) Smooth some sand over it.

3) Deliver the granite blocks.

4) Lay down the granite blocks as tightly as possible. According to the resident expert Ernie, loose blocks allow theft, causing a serious hazard for people in heels. 

5) Once the granite is laid, sprinkle some sand on the blocks. This will act as lubrication for the "plate tamper."

6) Use the plate tamper to stamp down the granite. After this step, the granite blocks should be safely nestled.

With every construction project, there is some waste. The technical term for this concrete pile, according to an anonymous worker, is "truck poo."

Photos by Simone Truemner-Caron

Rain Rain, Go Away...

Large pieces of burlap are stretched over the newly-laid concrete to prevent damage from falling rain drops. Bad weather is often the cause of delayed construction. From left: Rodrigo Montt (gray hat), Mike Lamanna Jr. (red), Manuel Cornejo (red), Ernie (white).

Photos by Simone Truemner-Caron

Clutter

Shown above are scraps of wood from the moulds used to support the tree-hole concrete while drying. 

Alternating pits between the holes designated for trees will be filled with granite for aesthetic purposes. Between each tree, benches will also be installed.

Rigobrto Aguiluz leaning into the frame, and workers dis-assembling the concrete moulds in the background. 

A solution to the clutter? "Just put everything down this hole." From left: Mauricio Cornejo, Rodrigo Montt, Mike Lamenna (Jr.)

Photos by Simone Truemner-Caron

The Work

Have you ever wondered how sidewalks get their unique ridged texture?

By broom!

Mauricio and Manuel Cornejo (cousins).

Photos by Simone Truemner-Caron

The People

Upon learning that the pictures I was taking of the sidewalk construction were being published online, the immediate reaction of most workers was to stop working and strike a pose. For further examples, please see "The Stars."

Mike Lamanna, the operations coordinator, is seen here on the "safe" side of the caution tape (since he's not wearing his safety gear).

Ernie the inspector, on the other hand, is fully equipped to work within the realm of danger (within the restricted area).

Pablo Cornejo standing on an island amid the drying concrete, with Mike Lamanna (Jr.) reaching out to him.

Jaimie Droncoso and Rodrigo Montt.

Photos by Simone Truemner-Caron

Where the Sidewalk Ends

The ply-board bridge to the entrance of 401. 

A view from the front entrance of 401 Richmond.

Access to "Mamma's Pizza" and "CJ Lunch Box" will be temporarily blocked, yet one determined delivery man pushes through with a set of boxes near the entrance of "Mamma's Pizza."

Excavator continuing to uproot the late sidewalk.

Photos Courtesy of Erin MacKeen

Bird's Eye

A view of the construction so far on the North side of Richmond, from the second floor.

A view of the construction leading to the main entrance of 401 Richmond, West side.

Photos Courtesy of Erin MacKeen

Red-Eye

Sidewalk in foggy weather.

Photo Courtesy of Max Allen

The Stars

Savo and Pablo. 

Rigobrto Aguiluz.

Photos by Simone Truemner-Caron

Tree Hole Developments

Mike Lamanna (Jr.) smoothing out the ridge of a sidewalk block. The spaces between the tree holes are now being connected. 

The layers under the concrete include: 1) gravel,

2) plywood boards, 3) rough concrete, and 4) a metal frame for flexibility. 

Mike Lamanna (Jr.) completing the finishing touches on the concrete between the tree holes.

Pablo Cornejo, Manuel Cornejo (brothers), and Rodrigo Montt discussing the future of the sidewalk. Rumors indicate that there will be granite sections and benches set-up between the trees.

Photos by Simone Truemner-Caron