This should help answer some of those questions: -->
Construction FAQ
I don't have a full timeline of the outdoor grounds. Demolition will begin in the next several days, but they are still waiting on bids and speccing out details of some of the integral features within the redesign. (Really getting to the nitty-gritty of preferred building materials for restaurant, etc.)
I can tell you that the Crystal Bridge project alone will take approximately 6-8 months. They will start at the north end, working one area at a time and work their way south, almost in a domino effect. They will NOT remove the 3,000 panels at one time, preferring to work in sections. This is for the protection of the plants, as well as for efficiency in the reglazing process, which is actually a fairly complex undertaking. The process is very interesting, given that once they microblast the truss structure, they will have to repaint it almost immediately or else risk oxidation to the steel underneath.
We are working on a blog that will detail some of the more intricacies of the operation since it's really a fascinating study. Will also be pitching articles to architecture/engineering and gardening trade magazines, and of course, will keep Steve informed along the way.
Remember, the Crystal Bridge reglazing was already already set prior to the Devon funds becoming available. Originally, they had hoped to have the Crystal Bridge reopened by Downtown in December this year, but now with the new additions to the park and the Crystal Bridge itself (new south plaza/visitor entry way), they are putting off re-opening until the outdoor grounds are completed, on or around Festival of the Arts, 2011. This will also give them plenty of time to get the plant life reestablished and back to health (some plants don't like the stress of moving and it takes them awhile to reestablish them).
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