Phase 1 of the Auction Oaks at Republic Square project is complete. Â 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. Â 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. Â 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.