Downtown Construction Update

Questions on the Downtown Construction?

Contact the Project Manager:

July 16, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. This was our last construction meeting.  

• Sidewalk has started.
• Tuesday-Thursday next week stamping will be done. 
• Paving will be done the following week. 
• Any other questions or concerns should be directed to Glenn Cunningham with the City of Faribault Engineering Dept.

Special Thanks to Peggy Keilen from Faribo Air Conditioning & Heating, for providing these meeting notes each week.

Shop Locally and Support the Businesses in the ZONE

July 9, 2009.

• Utility work is done.
• Gravel is down on the 400 block, will be down on the 500 block today. 
• Will start putting curb in on Monday. 
• The rest of the sidewalk will be removed and new sidewalk will begin Wednesday, 7/15.
• Next Thursday will be our last construction meeting.   Should we plan a little celebration with treats and beverages?  Call me (Peggy Keilen at 334-6408) and let me know what you think.
• Reminder that all business representatives and property owners are welcome to attend a weekly construction update with the city and contractor at 9 am each Thursday in front of Floors by Farmer at 502 Central Ave.

June 25, 2009 at 9:00 a.m.

• Sanitary Sewer is being done on the 500 block.
• Sewer services are being done on the 400 block and should be finished today. 
• Starting watermain on 400 block today. 
• Monday sanitary sewer should be done on 500 block and they will be being replacing the watermain. 
• Once the watermain is done they have to test it.  When the test passes they’ll flush it and start hooking up the water services.  This will take a couple of days as the test are sent away.
• They will begin building walls around the vaults in the 400 block next week.
• Reminder that all business representatives and property owners are welcome to attend a weekly construction update with the city and contractor at 9 am each Thursday in front of Floors by Farmer at 502 Central Ave.

June 18, 2009

• Miscellaneous work to complete yet on 5th St NW.
• Decorative street lighting is due to arrive mid July.  Temporary lites will be in place until the new lights come in. 
• As you can see, removals are done on both blocks of Central Ave.  Water tie in’s are also done for both blocks.  Just waiting for test results. 
• Monday they will start doing the sanitary sewer for both blocks as well as working on the vaults.
• If anyone is interested in updating their water/sewer hook ups into their buildings OR fire sprinkler systems being brought into your building NOW IS THE TIME to contact Glenn Cunningham with the City of Faribault.  Remember:  it will cost you significantly less money to do it now then if you wait until you have to do it.
• Many of you have asked if you are allowed to offer beverages/treats to Pember Construction during construction.  PLEASE offer cold drinks if it gets real hot! This is accepted and greatly appreciated.
• Reminder that all business representatives and property owners are welcome to attend a weekly construction update with the city and contractor at 9 am each Thursday in front of Floors by Farmer at 502 Central Ave.

June 11, 2009

• Will be completing bituminous today.   Next spring another coat will be added.
• Striping will be done Friday. 
• Monday the removal process will begin on the 400 Block.  Wednesday they will begin on the 500 Block.
• Tuesday afternoon they will be starting the sewer/vaults on the 400 Block.
• Decorative street lighting is due to arrive mid to late July.  Temporary lites will be in place until the new lights come in. 
• Monday they will begin sealing and caulking all concrete/stamping on 5th Street.
• Many of you have asked if you are allowed to offer beverages/treats to Pember Construction during construction.  PLEASE offer cold drinks if it gets real hot! This is accepted and greatly appreciated.
• Advertising to help businesses affected by the construction is running now in the Faribault Daily News and on KDHL radio. Financial support for the advertising is from the EDA, the Chamber and Pember Construction.
• Reminder that all business representatives and property owners are welcome to attend a weekly construction update with the city and contractor at 9 am each Thursday in front of Floors by Farmer at 502 Central Ave.

June 4, 2009

• Will be completing sidewalk Monday.
• Will be preparing for first coat of bituminous mid week. 
• Paving will be done Tuesday-Thursday.  Striping will happen after that.
• Decorative street lighting is on back order.  The temporary lites will remain in place until the new lights come in.  All prep work for the new lites is complete.
• 400/500 Block of Central will begin simultaneously as scheduled June 15, 2009.  Two crews will be here – one on each block.
• Many of you have asked if you are allowed to offer beverages/treats to Pember Construction during construction.  This is accepted and greatly appreciated.
• Advertising to help businesses affected by the construction is beginning now - with support from the EDA, the Chamber and Pember Construction.
• Reminder that all business representatives and property owners are welcome to attend a weekly construction update with the city and contractor at 9 am each Thursday in front of Floors by Farmer at 502 Central Ave.

May 28, 2009

• Storm sewer will be complete by end of day.
• Utilities are done.
• Will be starting curb and gutter tomorrow (Friday) & Saturday.
• After curb and gutter is done – Bob’s Electric will be working on street lighting. This will take a while – so construction WILL slow down a bit. No worry, Pember Construction will be working on grading, etc.
• The Apron for State Bank drive thru and Modern Printers/Erickson Furniture driveway will be done after Noon on Saturday. Will be opened up by 8 a.m. Monday. Any questions on that call Glenn Cunningham of City Engineering Dept. or Ron Skillings of Pember Construction
• Reminder that all business representatives and property owners are welcome to attend a weekly construction update with the city and contractor at 9 am each Thursday in front of Floors by Farmer at 502 Central Ave.  
• Phase One is expected to be nearly complete by June 12
• Phase Two (Central Ave) begins on June 15  
• Advertising on KDHL, Power 96 and Faribault Daily News begin next week to assist businesses during the construction period. The advertising is made possible by funding from the Faribault EDA and Pember Construction Company.

May 21, 2009

• Sanitary Sewer is complete.
• Watermain will be finished by Friday end of day. Water will be shut off on the 500 Block of Central Ave 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Friday, May 22nd to install a hydrant to ready for the Central Ave construction.   
• Storm sewer in process on east side of 5th. Will be complete by end of next week.
• Will be starting curb and gutter the end of next week.
• After curb and gutter is done – Bob’s Electric will be working on street lighting. This will take a while – so construction WILL slow down a bit. No worry, Pember Construction will be working on grading, etc.
•  Private fire services are in process up and down 5th St. If you want a sprinkler system installed to your building NOW is the time to speak up (it is MUCH cheaper to do it now than down the line!)
• Reminder that all business representatives and property owners are welcome to attend a weekly construction update with the city and contractor at 9 am each Thursday in front of Floors by Farmer at 502 Central Ave.
• Watch for weekly update e-mail too and pass the word to everyone to provide an e-mail address to the chamber to receive this weekly update..
• The contractor has generously donated funds to advertise construction updates in the newspaper and radio – reminding readers and listenersthat stores are open while construction is going on!

May 14, 2009

• Sanitary Sewer is complete on the east side of 5th Street, currently doing west side of 5th Street – plan on being done by Wednesday, May 20th.  Had to dig into intersections of 400 and 500 block of Central Ave to set Central Ave up for their Sewer hookups.
• Watermain started on east side of 5th Street today. 
• After watermain passes tests, storm sewer will go in.
• Will be working on filling the vaults on west side of 5th street this week.
• Gas lines are complete according to Xcel Energy.  Electrical is overhead.  So they are done.  Only utilities being worked on is street lighting.  As you can see temporary street lighting is being put in placed and will used for the next few weeks, until final street lighting is able to be installed.
• Private hookups into the building are being done as contractor goes down the street doing sewer and water lines.   IE – sprinkler pipes brought to your building, replacing old waterline into your building, replacing sanitary sewer line into your building IF you requested this extra work.
• Reminder that all business representatives and property owners are welcome to attend a weekly construction update with the city and contractor at 9 am each Thursday in front of Floors by Farmer at 502 Central Ave.
• Watch for weekly update e-mail too and pass the word to everyone to provide an e-mail address to the chamber to receive this weekly update.
• Zone signs are available.  If you did not get one contact Peggy Keilen at 334-6408.
• The contractor has generously donated funds to advertise construction updates in the newspaper – reminding readers that stores are open

May 11, 2009

• All demolition is expected to be complete by Monday May 11
• On Monday you can expect a brief interruption of your water service while a tempory service is put in place
• That allows new sanitary sewer construction to begin
• Reminder that all business representatives and property owners are welcome to attend a weekly construction update with the city and contractor at 9 am each Thursday in front of Floors by Farmer at 502 Central Avenue
• Watch for weekly update e-mail too and pass the word to everyone to provide an e-mail address to the chamber to receive this weekly update
• The group has agreed to use the ZONE promotion theme and ZONE signs will be available to all businesses next week.
• Other promotional plans are underway

September 11 update

• They are currently working on the services on the 100 block of Central.
• They will be working on the storm sewer installations next.
• On Monday, 9/15, the grading crew will be working on 1st St.
• Curb and gutter will be poured on Wednesday, 9/17 on the 100 block of Central.
• Sidewalk will follow on Friday and Saturday, 9/19 and 9/20.
• They will pave the street the following Wednesday, 9/24.
• Thursday, 9/18, they will begin work on the other intersection 3rd St. NE and 1st Ave. NE, by the Post Office
• They are bringing in a second underground crew to work on each intersection.
• They will pave the intersections the same day as the street, Wednesday, 9/24.
• There were reports that the street lights have not been working properly.  Apparently, they do not turn on when it gets dark, and they were still on this morning during the meeting.  Both Jenna Grubbs and Colin Johnson said they would have someone take a look at the light sensors to see what might be going on.

September 4, 2008 update

The Downtown Action Committee met on September 4 and received the following update from the city and contractor for the downtown project.

• The parking stalls in phases two and three will be striped at 9.5 feet instead of the 9 foot stalls in phase one. This will allow merchants to observe both widths and determine the best option before the final asphalt lift is layed next year.
• There has been some discussion about the white lights - some prefer the yellower lights. The consensus is to keep the white lights keeping in mind that the new globes have an internal hood that directs the light down to the sidewalk and should have minimal impact on the second and third floors.
• The three hour parking signs will be put back up this week and enforcement is reestablsihed.
• The temporary three hour parking in the 18 hour lots will revert back to 18 hours
• The 3rd Street. 1st Ave intersection will be done ofter the completion of the 100 block and 1st Street.
• The two blocks of 2nd Ave will be done last

On September 16 MN Dot is hosting a meeting to discuss the impact of the viaduct reconstruction. Watch for a notice to attend that meeting.

Remember there are parking maps on the city website to help your customers with finding parking during the construction.

In other business:

• The DAC heard a report from Bob Kell who is the director of the Faribault Welcome Center.
• The Promotions committee talked about the October 11 celebration planned for the completion of the construction season
• Holiday promotion plans for December 1-7 were presented to take place along with the Buckham Center's Hometown Holiday promotion
• A brief update was provided regarding the status of additional parking options for downtown including the prospective ramp at the Police station block and other building demo options
• A report was presented on the Special Service District Task force. They are presenting an initial presentation to the City Council on September 16 and to the EDA on September 18

Special Service District

The Special Service District task Force in completing the plans to launch the petition to the Faribault City Council to consider establishing a Special Service District to provide enhances services to the downtown district, Watch for more information on that coming soon. Contact John Carlander, Rick Thomas, Matt Drevlow, Jan Roberts or Ann Vohs for more information.

August 21, 2008

Building update:

• Saturday 8/23 – curb and gutter and sidewalk on 3rd Street NW
• Tuesday 8/26 – bituminous paving on 3rd Street NW
• Monday 8/25 – start utility work in 2nd Street/Central intersection

Parking stall width – prior to construction the stall width was 9.5’ the new stalls are 9’ which is the minimum width.  Some comments have been made that the stalls feel too narrow.  We will stripe 3rd Street NW at 9.5’ to allow people to try it out and see what people like better.  We will lose approximately one stall on each side of each block.

Lights – it has been brought to the attention of city personell that some people would prefer the lights to have a yellow-orange glow instead of the white light that is being installed.  We would like some feedback on how people feel about the lighting.

Following the completion of the 200 block - the Sweet Spot celebrated with their official ribbon cutting.

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The community came out to celebrate the lighting of the marquee at the Paradise Center for the Arts on the 300 Block, only days after the new sidewalks and streets were complete.

The Promotions Group is working on a Grand Finale for the 2008 construction with a fall festival theme. If you're interested in helping contact Jackie or Jules at 333-0800

July 17, 2008

Heselton is working on the water main and fire services on the 200 block of central.  They will close 3rd street NE next with concrete removal starting around July 28.  3rd street NW will not close until the 200 block of central is open.  There is a new photo journal on the city website http://www.faribault.org/projects/eng/2008/03/04/2008_downtown_imptovements.

July 15, 2008

The 300 block of Central Avenue is now complete!

July 3, 2008

On July 3, 2008 The DAC hosted a Q & A opportunity for members. 

Here are the highlights:

• The underground work is complete on the 300 block
• Curb and Gutter installation is expected Tuesday July 8
• Sidewalk installation is scheduled for Thursday July 10
• Black top installation and striping on Friday July 11

• The 200 block underground work is underway
• Completion in a similar schedule to the 300 block is expected starting July 19

• The delay on the 200 block was caused by the discovery of unanticipated vaults and by the volume of fire suppression lines that were requested by building owners.

• IN ORDER TO EXPEDITE THE WORK ON FUTURE BLOCKS, PLEASE CONTACT JENNA GRUBBS AT CITY HALL TO IDENTIFY ANY VAULTS IN YOUR BUILDING AND TO CONFIRM YOUR PLANS FOR ADDING THE FIRE LINE.

Jenna Grubbs

507-384-0542

jgrubbs@ci.faribault.mn.us

• Your vaults should be cleared of all your personal property and you should determine your easiest access to water for the times when temporary water service will be needed.

• Vault work has started on 3rd Street in anticipation of beginning that phase
• A section of sidewalk near the Post Office was failing, so it was logical to expedite the work along that street.

• Merchants requested some changes in the signs in the construction zone.  Instead of SIDEWALK CLOSED, the signs will be changed to SIDEWALK UNDER CONSTRUCTION

• Because the city now owns the former ABC Building, the parking around that building will become available for public parking beginning next week.  There will be 18 hour and three hour parking available in that lot.

• Crazy Days will be held on July 10, 11 and 12.  Merchants are urged to use back doors and THE ZONE message to bring the bargain hunters downtown

• Other promotions are being planned for the completion of each phase and a Grand Finale promotion for the end of the 2008 construction.  Everyone is welcome to assist and participate in the planning and execution of these promotions.  Contact Creating a Ruckus for more information.

• Shop Locally and Support the Businesses in the ZONE

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

June 19 Update

If you do not own your building but are affected by the Downtown Construction ZONE, please forward this information to the owner ASAP to avoid further delays in the timely completion of the Downtown Improvement project.

Phase One: The 200 Block of Central Avenue will experience a two week extension in the completion of the construction on that block. There were a substantial number of vaults that were discovered which require additional work. Also the fire service connections have contributed to the need for an extension of two weeks to complete phase one on the 200 Block

The 300 Block is still on schedule to becompleted within the estimated deadline of July 11.

REGARDING VAULTS AND FIRE SERVICE CONNECTIONS

If your block is slated for constructionthis year and youare uncertain whether your building has an underground vault please call Jenna Grubbs at City Hall 507-384-0542 or e-mail her at jgrubbs@ci.faribault.mn.us

If you are planning to have a fire service into your building, remember that the city project does not include bringing the service INTO your building. If you do not have an opening for the service, a foundation boring may be needed and you will be responsible for this. The service is available locally from:

Dale (Skip) or Nick Schwartz
Faribo Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
513 Central Avenue
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 334-6409 (work)
Fax:507-334-8681
skip@fariboplumbing.com

If you have questions about any aspect of the fire service or vaults please call Jenna Grubbs. 507-384-0542 or e-mail her at jgrubbs@ci.faribault.mn.us

Phase Two: The Phase Two work will begin shorting after the 4th of July. The vaults on 3rd Street will be the first work, along with the street work on the 100 block of Central Ave.

Pavers: As a point of interest, the City Public Works Department will be retaining the Historic street pavers on 2nd St for use in a future downtown walkway project.

Promotions

• Zone T-shirts are available at the Chamber office 334-4381
• ZONE signs can be ordered through the UPS Store 332-6772
• Plans are underway for Crazy Days to be on July 10, 11 and 12.
• Contact the chamber of Jackie Carlander at Creating a Ruckus for more information 333-0800

Please pass this information along freely to anyone affected by the Downtown Construction ZONE.

SHOP LOCALLY and SUPPORT THE BUSINESSES IN THE ZONE

Project Overview

• Each phase will take 6-8 weeks. Work started on May 20.
  
• There will be minimal sewer and water disruption. Water will be shut down for 2-4 hour periods throughout the construction period.  24 hour notice will be given to businesses. Water will not be shut down overnight
• Water testing may delay final hook ups for service
• The Contractor will provide door to door notice of water shut down (non-emergency)
• Natural Gas should not be effected
• Sidewalks will remain, (cut back from the street) as long as possible.  Temporary board walks will be added where no sidewalk can be left
• The new sidewalks with the decorative edge are being added throughout the project
• Lighting will be refurbished or replaced.  Two additional decorative lights will be added per block on Central.  The tall shoebox lights will be moved to the intersections and there will be one on each corner. The side streets will have ten decorative lights added (five per side) to match Central, where applicable.
• Taller lights will be left in place during construction to assure adequate lighting throughout the project if possible.  Otherwise the contractor will be required to provide temporary lighting.
• The parking angle will become 60 degrees
•  Approximately 77 additional new parking spaces will be added in phase one and two of 2008
• Vault work will be the most disruptive to business. Businesses with vaults under their sidewalks who have not already done so or replied that it was unknown if vaults existed and have done some investigative looking should contact Jenna Grubbs at city hall.  (507) 384-0542 (work)  Fax:(507) 384-0509         jgrubbs@ci.faribault.mn.us
• The phases were discussed and altered to assure that no corner business would have construction on both sides at the same time and that through alleys are accessible from at least one direction during all phases.
• The contractor will be responsible for safeguarding existing construction columns, facades etc and to protect the properties
• The first lift of asphalt will have temporary striping with the new parking alignment  The final lift and final striping take place in 2009 (allowing for a good trial of the parking plan)

• The sequence of the construction is
  expected to be:

• remove street and lighting, and side walk leaving about 7 feet of sidewalk
• construct the sewer lines
• construct the water lines
• add service lines to buildings
• install storm sewers
• rebuild the street to gravel
• remove the sidewalk to the buildings
• rebuild the sidewalks and complete the paving of the street

• Every effort is being made to limit the disruption to the businesses.  The Contractor is providing signs to show access to each business from the intersections.  A map of parking areas is being produced by the city, and a map showing pass through options is also being prepared. 
• The city is temporarily waiving the restrictions on temporary banners and signs in the downtown district.
• The fee will also be waived, however each property owner must apply if they choose to place a personalized sign
• Promotional signs provided by the DAC will be allowed without permit or fee

• The city/contractor has provided signs listing businesses on each block
• The City Council has authorized the city staff to make adjustments as needed to parking limits during the construction
• Businesses need to insist that employees and owners park in public lots and not in the spaces closest to the shopping district

THE ZONE PROMOTIONS

The Downtown Action Committee of the Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce is very pleased that the project is moving forward.  They are also happy that a local Contractor – Heselton Construction was awarded the bid

City staff has provided great communication on the project and we appreciate the extra effort from the contractor and city staff in meeting with block captains each week during the construction to keep communication flowing. Special thanks to Tim Murray, Peter Waldock and Jenna Grubbs and to all the block captains.

Both the chamber and the city website will be updated frequently with information for the businesses downtown and the downtown residents and general public

We want to remind everyone how important it is to patronize local businesses to keep our retail and service sectors thriving and prosperous.  Especially during the construction period, stop in often to show your support and watch the progress of the project.

The Downtown Action Committee is working on a number of promotional ideas centered around the theme of being in the ZONE. The obvious meaning is in the construction zone, but they are focusing on being in the ZONE, with a focus on fun and enthusiasm and keeping the message focused on shopping locally!

Get into the ZONE in Downtown Faribault!

All downtown businesses are urged to use the ZONE Logo on signs, in advertising and on shirts too! Use it any way you can think of to promote that downtown is OPEN and READY for business!

SIGNS - You can order signs and posters from THE UPS Store (507) 332-6772 at the following prices:

• 11” x 17” one sided, laminated         $3.00
• 11” x 17” two sided, laminated          $4.00
• 11” x 17” two sided on foam core     $11.00
• 2’ x 3’ poster size
  • On glass paper         $51.00
  • On vinyl for outdoors $66.00
  • Add grommets           $75.00

T-shirts

• The color is Daisy Yellow with the ZONE Logo on the Front
• Small-Med-Large and Extra Large at $8.00 each
• XXL or larger are $9.00

You can also add your store name or other graphics. There will be additional charges for added graphics. You can also order shirts at the same price with the ZONE directly from Sellner Stitch and Sign at 334-5584 (ask for Sarah)

THE LOGO

The ZONE Logo is available to all downtown businesses to use in their advertising and promotional materials.  Contact the Faribault Daily News or the Chamber to get a copy of the format you need.

ADVERTISING

The Faribault Daily News is altering the Values Page to include the ZONE logo during the construction period.   Other local media will help you include THE ZONE in your regular or special advertising.   Think about including BACK DOOR BARGAINS in your ads too.

ZONE Promotion Committee Chair - Jackie Carlander - Creating a Ruckus 333-0800

Downtown Action Committee Chair – Bruce Burkhartzmeyer;  Burkhartzmeyer Shoes - 334-7774

Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce

507-334-4381

chamber@faribaultmn.org