Sidewalk Supervisor

The title recalls comics and funny papers from the 1940’s and 50’s. In those days, plywood ‘walls’ were constructed between downtown sidewalks and construction sites to keep pedestrians safe from building activities and dust. Every few feet, however, ‘portholes’ were cut at head level so pedestrians could see what was going on with construction progress. These viewing holes were for the curious who were called ‘sidewalk supervisors.’

Today I sit at my ‘office’ window in a fourth floor condo building. I look westward into a construction site that once was a vacant lot between our building and city hall. The new building will house severely disabled people who otherwise would be homeless. The facility will have 24 loft apartments suited for handicapped persons. Programs will be provided in the building to help residents learn skills for self sufficiency elsewhere. The building is considered transitional housing but in all likelihood, it will be long term housing.

The building will be four stories with residences on the top three floors. The first floor will be for reception, offices, program spaces and building mechanicals and utilities.

Watching it go up has been both a treat and a frustration. The frustration part stems from two sources: first, it is slow and marked by delays; second, the site ate up at least eight parking spots used by our residents. Some of those will be returned to our use after construction, but not until then. Thus, our parking is tight and poses problems.

Construction began in April. So far the land was cleared, underground utilities were brought in and capped, the foundation was poured, followed by the first floor slab pour. More drainage and stormwater plumbing were installed. Finally, the elevator shaft was built. Currently the driveway and parking lot underlayment has begun along with finalization of groundwater drainage facilities.

From my aerie I wonder when the walls and floors will be built for the rest of the building. I also wonder if the skeleton of the building will be concrete block or steel caging. Of course, the exterior design is pondered; will it be modern or classical? Will it be brick, stone or walls of glass. As a neighbor we wonder these things although we doubt parking and auto traffic will be a concern. Blind tenants don’t drive! Neither do severely handicapped individuals. So, staff parking will be the norm plus delivery and utility purposes.

As winter is nigh, we all wonder about snow removal and parking access during construction. As a retiree, I am not terribly concerned about any of this; just curious. And expectant. I’m dreaming of a flashy new building in our downtown neighborhood, one we will be proud to share space with.

Change is good. It motivates the brain. Supervision whether from the sidewalk or a neighbor's window, builds suspense.

November 4, 2021