StreetScape on schedule despite minor delays

Rayma Silvers/Tribune Photo Construction workers with Kissick Construction Company remove dirt from a test hole on Main Street in order to complete a geographical survey, which helps the construction workers determine possible rock encounters once the street work begins on Main Street.

Despite encountering a large amount of rock, which slowed the construction down slightly, work on the Phoenix Committee's Downtown StreetScape Project has progressed as planned.

Chuck Harris with Professional Engineering Consultants said, although rock removal was a challenge, the construction has gone well. He added that even though the main water line along that portion of the street is not tied into the existing water main yet, it is in place. According to Harris, the construction workers are currently making preparations to install the new storm sewer, which will collect run-off water from the streets. As part of that preparation, workers are removing portions of the sidewalk along First Street.

In addition to the construction on First Street, construction workers have begun investigative work on Main Street. The investigative work, Harris said, will involve checking for rock and locating water lines.

Kissick Construction Company Project Superintendent Mike Eddings said the project, which is in its third week of construction, is going well. Adding that beginning this week, he and his construction crew will be working six days a week in order to complete the project in a timely manner.

Frank Adamson owner of The Courtland Hotel and Aveda Day Spa said although the street in front of his business has been completely torn up for the last few weeks, he has heard very little negative comments from his customers. A lot of his out of town customers, in fact, have made positive comments about the construction, he said.

"Everybody from out of town thinks it is great," Adamson said. "It's an inconvenience, but it's absolutely worth it."

According to Adamson, the Kissick Construction workers have been great to work with. For instance, one morning when the workers began working outside, the hotel had several customers who were still sleeping. Adamson said he asked the crew to wait a couple of hours until his customers were out of bed. The construction crew quickly accommodated Adamson's request.

In speaking about the downtown renovation project, Adamson said, "I m really excited, not just for me, but for everyone downtown."

Eddings said one factor that has made the construction workers jobs a little bit easier is the helpfulness of Mike Cooper and Westar Energy; Eric Bailey and the Fort Scott Public Works Department; and Bill Lemke and the Fort Scott Public Works Water Department.

The Streetscape Project was created to restore and revitalize the portions of downtown Fort Scott that were affected by a March 11, 2005, fire which destroyed several historic buildings and other areas downtown.