The Cheese Stands Alone

But not for much longer!

Bryson Village

The one remaining space in the entire building which is not yet open to the public is The Village, an assembly of small shops in the area we used to call Commercial 1.

The shop keepers are unpacking their wares and creating displays, but they aren't quite ready to say "We're open!"

On Tuesday, people who attended the open house were allowed a sneak peek, and came away from that very impressed. Every detail has been considered, and the merchandise is so "not-Washington" that some items are already marked SOLD. When does THAT ever happen??

This will truly be a destination shopping locale, and for once -- we won't have to drive an hour to get there!

Thanks! *says Mary who's making plans for her birthday money*

Open House Tuesday, June 24

Complete with photographer (and photographer of the photographer)

Progress in Central Park

Curbs on the west side and east side are poured, and many of the sidewalks within the park have pavers installed. Remaining to be completed are the curb on the north side, and joining the sidewalks at the curbs.

At Last!

Below the second floor windows, and above the awning (coming next week, I hear), Troy and crew have installed the new belt course to replace the one that was removed to make room for the metal facade -- remember it? We didn't find any photos that showed what it looked like, so we invented somthing, and here it is.



The area painted black was supposed to be black glass, but for now, black paint will do. The piggy bank doesn't rattle very loudly anymore.

another view

Visiting The Library

There's less and less to see here, and the demolition has been cleaner and quieter than I expected.



The concrete around the fountain which was taken away last week is already returning.


The new concrete sidewalk has a recessed area for the brick style pavers that will be installed in the center. Having concrete underneath them should prevent the type of shifting and sinking that we often see in a walk made from pavers.

As If That Wasn't Enough Excitement

Paint colors and display items are appearing in Commercial 1, the retail unit. Doesn't this make you want to see more?

Just When You Thought Things Were Quieting Down

The street project begins! The old asphalt has to be milled off in order to replace water mains prior to laying new asphalt.



Here you can see how the 1904 bricks are faring in the milling process.


Meanwhile, in Central Park, work has started on the new sidewalks. The fountain has been repaired and is ready to fill just as soon as the work is finished.

If you want to receive a weekly update from city hall, email rcicalo@washingtoniowa.net and ask to be added to the mailing list for the downtown project.

The Village Is Coming Soon!

Inside, painters have started adding the decorative colors. It's going to be a charming place to shop for all sorts of things, from books to kids' items to soaps, and I don't know what else. (petticoats?)

The Second Entry Ramp Is Here

Railings are in the works, too.

Five Down - One To Go

Finishing touches in the retail store ~







Just wait until it's painted!


Oak floors in the display windows are being sanding and sealed.




New Art Deco windows have been installed between the display windows and the store, letting in more natural light. The old windows had been covered with plywood and the glass had been painted. This view is from the inside looking toward the street, but they're just as pretty from the street side.

That's Not All!

In Commercial 3, at the west end of the building, Rick and Tom are receiving furniture today. On Monday, you'll find them working here.



Doesn't it look great?



Someone has been busy organizing files, too.