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

Tree Holes

1) The yawning gap between the road and the building is sculpted to accommodate tree holes: notice the slight depressions in the dirt going up the left side of the gap.

2) Concrete moulds were constructed using wood boards. Rigobrto Aguiluz being gangsta.

3) The cross-beams on top ensure structure stability, so that when the heavy concrete is poured in it doesn't distort the form.

4) The concrete is poured into the moulds, a very exact science requiring many hands.

5) The concrete is allowed to dry.

6) Once dry, the wood frames are removed. Unfortunately, people who do appreciate the fine process of sidewalk construction have littered on these fine structures.

7) Voila! Finished sidewalk holes. 

Photos courtesy of Erin MacKeen