Construction Update

12/19/2011 - The past month of construction activity has included construction coordination efforts and the drilling of caissons.  Caissons consist of holes drilled approximately 40 feet into the site that are filled with concrete to create pilings to support the Harper Court structure.  Caisson work will continue through the end of the month.  All caissons proximate to the local businesses along 52 nd Place and Harper Avenue have been completed.

During late December, installation of an earth retention system will commence.  Commonly known as sheeting, this system will allow James McHugh Construction Co. to excavate the site (ultimately becoming the below-grade parking structure).  Sheeting proximate to 52 nd Place and along Harper Avenue will commence in late December, lasting approximately one week.  During this timeframe, vibrations and noise may be experienced.  The sheeting work will extend to the north of the site during subsequent weeks.  The balance of the site excavation and earth retention system will be completed in January and early February.

Also, on December 7, 2011, 4 th Ward Alderman Will Burns, the South East Chicago Commission and the Hyde Park Chamber were instrumental in gathering local businesses and residents for a community meeting relating to the project’s construction.  Harper Court Partners, LLC and representatives from the James McHugh Construction Co. addressed concerns relating to the opening of Harper Avenue and parking along 53 rd Street.

Harper Court Partners, LLC is working with the Alderman’s office and the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) to address concerns raised relating to parking availability along 53rd Street.  These stakeholders are currently advancing a plan to create several short-term parking areas along 53rd Street to encourage parking turnover.  CDOT is also evaluating the addition of parking along Lake Park Avenue and 52 ^nd Street.  All contractor and sub-contractor parking will occur in non-retail parking areas throughout the duration of construction.  Residents and business owners are encouraged to notify the Alderman’s office of any violations of the construction parking agreement.

Please visit www.harpercourtchicago.com for future construction updates and direct any questions or concerns to office of 4 th Ward Alderman Will Burns.