Planting for Future Tree Growth

Brick-laying crews have kicked off the massive project of installing brick pavers along the sidewalks, roadway and intersections of the southern construction area. Farther north, excavation of the old roadway base will be in full swing next week.

Measuring 5-feet-square, the pits are currently being installed in sidewalk areas along south Oak Park Avenue. In addition to nutrient-enriched structural soil that guides root growth outward and downward, the larger-scale pits feature expandable rings that can be easily ‘knocked out’ without damaging the streetscape as trees grow over the decades.

2. Excavating with precision. Existing roadway base removal is proceeding a bit differently on North Oak Park Avenue. Added equipment in the form of a ‘Gradall’ hydraulic excavator is being used to dig more precisely and better shape the different elevations of roadway, curbs and the street crossing at Hunter Court. That may mean a bit less dust and debris. (Happily, the Village completed a first round of storefront window washings and awning cleanings in August and will continue the free program monthly through the end of construction in November.)

3. Preview our coming attraction! If you’ve been out and about or biking to the (Hemingway District) businesses in the cooler September air, be sure to note new posters and graphics near the Oak Park Avenue Green Line station and in storefront windows throughout the Hemingway District. These artist renderings let you see how the streetscape, treescape and lightscape will all come together in just a few short months.