Phase 1 of the Auction Oaks at Republic Square project is complete. We did a lot of work but the chief goal was to improve the immediate area around the auction oaks – these two photos – before – taken in August 2008 and after, taken April 2, 2009, show the difference.
In the before picture, you can see the berm completely surrounding the central auction oak, with a retaining wall, drinking fountain, rocks and plaques mounted on stone pedestals and in the lower portion of the photo, a thick aggregate concrete sidewalk that ran through the auction oaks area.
The after picture shows the berm, retaining wall and other items removed, the sidewalk removed and even a portion of the southern berm that I stood on to take the first picture removed. Grass is growing and the entire auction oaks area is surrounded by a granite gravel pathway and marked by great looking limestone block bollards connected by heavy black chain. The total amount of soil removed was 180 truckloads, we also transplanted two trees and planted another 8 big native trees to replace the four sad street trees we had to remove. The area’s irrigation system was replaced, we have temporary irrigation in the area between the 3 auction oaks.
And we’re gearing up for Phase 2 – stay tuned.