December 16, 2019 — The Days Are Numbered as the Tradesmen Plod Toward 2020

With approximately ten work days remaining in 2019, and Christmas coming right in the middle, the crew on-site toils on in their respective trades. The pressure is on, especially on the north side in the shadow of the Adult Hospital tower. The crew working on the Galleria and Main Entrance footings are under pressure to wrap up (no pun intended) the rebar and setting the embeds for the first concrete pour.

Rounding the northeast corner of the building, I could tell by the number of people clustered together, the topic must be serious. As fingers pointed toward the trench and hand gestures became more animated, I surmised that that the inspectors must be present. As I approached the congregation, I saw a few smiles, and heard some laughter. After getting into a trench, I overheard one of the inspectors say: “Alright then, you’ve got some work to do.” The foreman on the job, replied: “I don’t mind the work (laughter), what I do mind is redoing the job.” The inspector replied: “No, no, you know what needs to be done, just finish what we discussed.” I don’t know what the core of the discussion was, but it was one that I’ve heard time and again as I made my rounds through the years (I can say this now). The give and take between the foreman and the inspector is expected, not always appreciated, but necessary for the good and safety of the project.

Just Around the Northwest Corner — The West Pedestrian Bridge

Just Around the Southwest Corner — The Retaining Wall