July 21 Update- Digging and digging

 Dear Neighbors,

Construction at the Victoria Theater Arts Center is proceeding smoothly with June being the first full-month of the construction phase and with the team making steady progress in July. The project has had no major setbacks occur within the last month and the team is planning for project completion in June/July 2024.

What’s been happening?

Lane Closures: Flannery coordinated a vehicular lane closure for just over a week on University Ave between Avon St N (on the east) and Victoria St N (on the west) to make utility system connections. Construction vehicles mainly moved in and out of the site via the alleyway to the north.

If you’re able to support the businesses on the block that may have been negatively affected by the lane closures, it may be especially helpful at this time.

Foundation: As they get more familiar with site conditions (some of which were revealed only by recent demolition work), Flannery and VJAA are working to make sure they’re strategic about any changes that have to be made to the original plans - even if they’re minor; Managing moisture (especially rainwater) in a way that keeps the foundation and the rest of the building in solid condition long-term has been an important part of discussions in June and July. Flannery crews are working on putting footings in ground that will support new walls in the building.

   

Fence. Flannery is still working on installing a permanent fence on the vacant lot between Ryan Plumbing & Heating and Demera, to secure materials.

Tuckpointing. We have begun tuckpointing work on the interior and exterior walls of the building. Again, tuckpointing involves removing a portion of the deteriorated mortar, filling the joints with new mortar (that closely matches the color of the brick), and then applying a thin line of putty in a contrasting color down the center of the joint (learn more about tuckpointing here).

What’s coming up? 

Concrete and Flooring: The concrete footings that will support the weight of different walls have started to be installed. After that construction crews will start working on getting the floor in the building to an even level from the front entrance to the rear exit (right now the floor of the building is on an incline).

Stairs: The installation of the basement stairs will begin shortly after major demolition work and concrete pouring.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns throughout the project, please contact Community Engagement Manager, Mercedes, at mercedes@victoriatheater.org. 

Thank you for your patience and support with this important project, folx! Continue to look for information as we’ll reach out in a few weeks for another round of ‘what’s been happening’ and what’s coming up’!