Nov 4, 2009
TCC Sunken Plaza Progress
By: Kevin Buchanan
One can debate whether or not this plaza is a good idea (our instincts say “no” – sunken plazas tend to not be very active or inviting, with a few exceptions), but it’s getting built, so here’s an update on the project’s construction. Tarrant County College is steaming ahead with finishing out its sharply-reduced river bluff campus project, and the sunken plaza which will serve as the site’s entrance and public space has been making steady progress.
For renderings of what this will all look like once it’s finished, check out our sneak peek at the completed plaza. Click on any of the photos for a larger view.
Is there any word about when this monstrosity will be completed? I want to be able to walk in a straight line to work again. The weather’s perfect right now…
Looks interesting. Are the concrete walls being put up right now going to be the final walls of the plaza?
The plaza et al should be completed early in Q2 2010.
My neighbor told me that the Fairmount Neighborhood Association was approached about “disannexing” some of the homes within its boundary…specifically the first block south of Magnolia from 8th Avenue to Hemphill. Don’t know who approached them or why. Heard anything about this?
The thing about sunken plazas in this climate is that the air doesn’t move down there. There’s nothing like 104 with non-moving air.
Sweet!! 2Q 2010 is right around the corner! I can’t wait to walk past such an awesome view of the river from downtown, just in time for spring. For some reason, this reminds me that Fort Worth could use a downtown skate park.
It would be nice if the view didn’t include an electrical substation. gag. Now that’s a real monstrosity.
My biggest beef with this is the concrete barriers on the Belknap bridge pictured. They’re at such a height that motorists can’t see into the plaza or down to the river. I understand the safety concerns, but what a wasted opportunity!! TELL me the concrete is temporary!!
They’re almost certainly temporary. It looks to me like the metal rail is permanent, but the concrete barriers will remain in place during construction for added protection. They probably also help lessen the rubbernecking by motorists.