


My View of Life on the Dock
Next step underway – Gloucester DPW conveys that a textured surface for easier tread is being applied today. The pass through is a work in progress.
From Washington & Poplar streets, progress views (2018-2020) across to the Cape Ann Museum expansion. This spot includes the historic White Ellery House and Barn, Babson-Alling home, new archives & collections building, and public space and grounds. The museum’s anchor location is nearby on Pleasant Street in downtown Gloucester.
Apri 2019 / Nov 2019
Jan 2019 / Jan 2020
Nov 2018 / Jan 2020
The exterior transformation by RePro General Constuction & Design Services (ReProservice.com) for Danielle and Carlo Berdahn’s new Mediterranean bistro, Yella on the Water, is moving right along (in the former Morning Glory space) on Stacy Boulevard.
Before (2013) vs. construction underway (May 2019)
They opened Yella Grille in Andover (and catering) ten years ago.
A new mini marsh promenade is underway along Thatcher Road from Gloucester’s Good Harbor Beach entrance all the way around to the foot bridge. Walkers will have safe access via sidewalks and a natural path.
Gloucester has been planning for an opportunity to extend safer pedestrian access along Thatcher Road for years. When National Grid scheduled replacing antiquated gas lines along the busiest and scenic stretch, Gloucester Public Works was ready to seize the opportunity with collaborative solutions sensitive to conservation. Sidewalk upgrades were built out at both ends and paused until National Grid completed its underground infrastructure work. Prior to paving, Thatcher Road will be widened slightly to accommodate a safe and scenic path. The city hoped to complete repairs and paving by autumn and is on track to meet that goal. This week crews were clearing brush. The rusty guardrail was removed and will be replaced with a new design. “It will all happen quickly now,” says Mike Hale, director of Public Works.
Thatcher Road Under Construction
There’s an ideal and creative scenic overlook solution over the river that’s under construction off site. I can’t wait for the reveal! I have been documenting progress and will post various updates, fast stats and history as another impressive project moves along.
Gloucester’s great marsh walk will afford safer access for sweeping seasonal observation
winter, spring, summer, fall
One of my favorite Gloucester motifs, Gloucester oxbow, view from Thatcher Road
Earlier posts outline the engineering. The photograph above details the subgrade that was re-established for irrigation (note ditch alongside walkway), loam and sod. The photo also emphasizes the lengthy short wall on the right which was removed for access during construction. “The excavation was deep enough that the angle of repose was into the old wall.” The wall in the photo is rebuilt.
Spacing and symmetry were important design considerations for Stacy Boulevard construction. The old benches were surveyed. Most were returned relative to where they were sited before the build out. The memorial benches on the boulevard are full. This one shows a tribute to Al Swelka.
Photos Nov-Dec 2016. Video caption: Stacy Boulevard construction minute – stroll before January, and sod. Upcoming posts in this Stacy Boulevard series include: disasters, the cultural landscape, and Blynman.
Series:
Part 4 – Gloucester’s majestic public works construction stats: bringing the Stacy Boulevard plans to life
Part 2: Stacy Boulevard Public Works stunner | Gloucester is an early client for the Harvard and Olmsted trained landscape designer, Thomas Warren Sears. His 1908 photos are a must see!
STACY BOULEVARD NEARING THE FINISH LINE Part 1 – Walk this way: Gloucester’s stately Stacy Boulevard public works project is breathtaking and one for the ages!
September 12 2016- Stacy Boulevard construction update: historic Blynman the Cut Bridge project scope plans and engineering details
August 2016 Stacy Boulevard construction details. Gloucester DPW is impressive
The ledge has been prepared to be blasted away. Click to Watch the BLAST