ALABAMA STATE EDITION
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65
72 Florence
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Huntsville
20 Decatur
72
565 59
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A Supplement to:
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431
31
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Gadsden
78 59 Anniston
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Birmingham Bessemer
82 Tuscaloosa
65 280
20 82 Auburn
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Selma
Phenix City
Montgomery
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March 2 2016 Vol. XXIX • No. 5
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Your Alabama Connection • Rich Olivier, Atlanta, GA • 1-800-409-1479 Cheryl Morgan, FAIA photo
A project that will tie the city’s industrial past to its present and future is making headlines in Birmingham, Ala., Rotary Trail — more than a quarter-century in the making — is an extension of nationally recognized Railroad Park from 20th Street to 24th Street along First Avenue South.
Birmingham Project to Tie Industrial Past to Its Present, Future By Cindy Riley
A project that will tie the city’s industrial past to its present and future is making headlines in Birmingham, Ala., Rotary Trail — more than a quarter-century in the making — is an extension of nationally recognized Railroad Park from 20th Street to 24th Street along First Avenue South. “To commemorate its 100th anniversary in 2013, the Rotary Club of Birmingham chose to fund the construction of a greenway park in ‘The Cut’, an old railroad bed along First Avenue South,” said Bill Jones, cochair of Rotary’s Centennial project. “This old rail bed was a terrible eyesore, full of trash, and deteriorating quickly. The idea for this revitalization project was presented to the Rotary Club by Wendy Jackson at Fresh Water Land Trust. More than $3.5 million was raised by the Rotary Club of Birmingham membership, and the park, when completed, will be known as Rotary Trail. Rotary, an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide, provides humanitarian and other services as a way of giving back. The Rotary Trail project is one example of how the Birmingham community can be better served. “Its significance is that it’s located within the Red Rock Ridge and Valley Trail system that runs for several miles throughout the city,” Jones said. “Rotary Trail connects Railroad Park and Regions Field with Sloss Furnace and Avondale. While several unique residences, offices and other businesses exist along Rotary Trail now, the park will have a significant positive impact on additional development in this area. There are many other unique aspects of the trail, including indigenous plants, trees and boulders, solar charging stations and informational areas.” Wendy Jackson, executive director of Freshwater Land Trust, said, “The Rotary Trail adds a significant downtown connection to the Red Rock Ridge and Valley Trail System. This addition will provide additional green space for downtown residents to enjoy, which is what matters most to us. “A linear greenway through the heart of downtown will connect Sloss Furnaces to Railroad Park and beyond. In addition, the innovative design of the trail will improve water quality for Valley Creek, a critical watershed for the Birmingham area.” Jackson said, “The Freshwater Land Trust takes a businesslike approach to conservation, and prides itself in its ability to bring unique public and private partners to the table. Through this partnership, we are not only able to bring an urban greenspace to life, but we are also contributing to the economic development and renaissance of Birmingham. “This public/private partnership will not only support outdoor family
CEG CORRESPONDENT
see ROTARY page 2
Page 2 • March 2, 2016 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Alabama State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
Rotary Trail Helps to Make Positive Impact on Community ROTARY from page 1
recreation, but also improve our community’s water quality through an appropriate storm water drainage system. The historic cut is an abandoned rail line that is 16 feet below street level, plagued by crumbling concrete and graffiti. Although mostly hidden from view, this site was a forgotten part of Birmingham, relatively unknown to most observers. The century-old cut only served as a water wasteland, draining non-point source pollution from the streets of Birmingham directly into Valley Creek.” The trail’s new design raises the grade of the cut to approximately six feet. The trail, along with the green vegetation located along its corridor, will allow for the filtration of sediment, oil, pollution and other storm water runoff before it flows into Valley Creek and eventually into one of the area’s primary drinking water sources, the Black Warrior River. “The new Rotary Trail is helping to make one of the largest positive impacts on our community’s water quality in recent history,” said Jackson. “This project is a testament to what public-private partnerships can do for the community.” Wilsonville, Ala., based Clements Dean Building Company LLC is serving as general contractor on the highprofile project, which should open in 2016. According to Clements Dean managing member Gary Dean, completed tasks include site grading and the demolition/extension of the retaining wall at the site. “Tasks under way or remaining include site lighting, irrigation, landscaping, concrete pedestrian bridges, concrete Goodwyn Mills Cawood rendering stairs and ramps, perimeter fencing A rendering of the completed Rotary Trail. and security cameras. The biggest challenge on this job is access to Fleming said connectivity also is important. work, due to the narrow, linear “A city should not just be a collection of individual projnature of the job site. In addition, ects, but a seamless flow of connected places. Public spaces one day of rain usually prevents two and private uses should flow together to make a great city. or three days of meaningful work, “Rotary Trail is an adaptive reuse of a historic industrial due to a soggy site.” element in our landscape, namely the railroad cut used by Equipment being used on this industry in the area. It give this older element that was obsoproject includes loaders, track hoes, lete a new life.” skid steer loaders, a boom truck, To mark the site, a nearly 50-ft. (15.2 m) sign will read dump truck, trenchers, forklifts and “Rotary Trail in the Magic City” on a metal skeletal frame. basket man lifts. Roughly 2,000 cu. Landscaping, lighting and railing will welcome visitors into yds. (1,529 cu m) of dirt is being the trail. At Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard, stairwells and moved during construction, which additional signage will make travelers aware of a greenway began in May 2015. with spaces to walk, sit or play just below. Supporters hope the trail will Boardwalks under the viaducts at Richard Arrington Jr. lead to more economic developBoulevard and 22nd Street will feature rocks and small boulment outside the area surrounding ders indicating a dry riverbed. The eastern terrace at 23rd Railroad Park. David Fleming, Street will have space for additional bench seating, as well as chief executive of REV sculptured seating. Birmingham, said, “Birmingham An amphitheater at 23rd Street will provide the setting for has become a shining example of impromptu street performances, as the elevation of the trail how well-placed and well-designed brings visitors back up to street level and a more modern public spaces can attract new develentrance will adorn the 24th Street entrance to the trail. opment, business and residents. At a groundbreaking for the new trail, Johnathan Austin, Railroad Park has been a game Birmingham city council president served as one of the changer for downtown. But shovelers for the ceremony. Railroad Park was envisioned by “The potential for the downtown area continues to grow early advocates as one central part with the addition of beautiful spaces like the Rotary Trail that of a larger greenbelt through the will be a unique asset for both residents and visitors to City Center. Rotary Trail will pick enjoy,” Austin commented. “This project has been in the up the vision and keep it going. We Cheryl Morgan, FAIA photo works for a while now, and I am excited to see it finally come are already seeing businesses seek Wendy Jackson, executive director of Freshwater Land Trust, said, “The to fruition.” locations near the trail and it’s not Rotary Trail adds a significant downtown connection to the Red Rock Ridge The suggestion to utilize the railroad cut for recreation even finished yet.” and Valley Trail System. see ROTARY page 6
Construction Equipment Guide • Alabama State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • March 2, 2016 • Page 3
Birmingham, AL 205.841.6666 Madison, AL 256.350.0006 Mobile, AL 251.633.4020 Montgomery, AL 334.262.6642 Oxford, AL 256.832.5053
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Construction Equipment Guide • Alabama State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • March 2, 2016 • Page 5
YOUR CHOICE OF A FREE PELICAN COOLER OR TWO PELICAN GUN CASES FOR EVERY PACKAGE PURCHASED
Page 4 • March 2, 2016 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Alabama State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
Construction Equipment Guide • Alabama State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • March 2, 2016 • Page 5
YOUR CHOICE OF A FREE PELICAN COOLER OR TWO PELICAN GUN CASES FOR EVERY PACKAGE PURCHASED
Page 6 • March 2, 2016 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Alabama State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
Montgomery • Jefferson • Talladega • Calhoun • Russell • Walker • Lawrence • Dekalb • Morgan • St. Clair • Tuscaloosa • Morgan • Shelby •Alabama… Bibb •Hale • Fayette • Marion • Winston • Cullman • Shelby • Chilton • Chambers • Covington • Baldwin • Clarke • Monroe • St. Clair • Chilton • Escambia• Montgomery • Jefferson • Russell • Fayette • Conecuh • Coffee • Geneva • Montgomery • Jefferson • Talladega • Bibb • Coffee • Calhoun • Russell • • Walker• Lawrence• Dekalb • Morgan • St. Clair • Tuscaloosa • Bibb• Hale • Fayette • Monroe • Clarke • Winston • Cullman • Shelby • Chilton • Chambers • Covington • Baldwin • Clarke • Monroe • Montgomery • Jefferson • Talladega
‘The Yellowhammer State’ Highway Project Lettings
The Alabama State Department of Transportation received bids for transportation-related improvement projects. Following is a list of some of the projects let. County: Tuscaloosa Contract ID: 20150731001 Project: Planing, resurfacing, bridge raising and guardrail retrofit. Location: On I-59/I-20 from south of the CR-10 Interchange in Fosters to north of the CR-1900 Interchange. Contractors and Bid Amounts: • S. T. Bunn Construction Company Inc. — $19,950,000 • Midsouth Paving Inc. — $22,401,617 County: Montgomery Contract ID: 20150731005 Project: Pavement rehabilitation. Location: On I-85 from the Hall Street overpass to just east of Ann Street (MP 3.300). Contractors and Bid Amounts: • Wiregrass Construction Company Inc. — $8,186,737 • Midsouth Paving Inc. — $8,738,412
County: Russell Contract ID: 20150731015 Project: Bridge replacement and approaches with pedestrian walkway. Location: On 12th Avenue over Holland Creek in Phenix City. Contractors and Bid Amounts: • The Bridge Builders of Alabama LLC — $899,999 • McInnis Construction LLC — $1,027,231 • Newell & Bush Inc. — $1,149,571 • Scott Bridge Company Inc. — $1,467,482 County: Russell Contract ID: 20150731018 Project: Bridge replacement. Location: On CR-137 (Uchee Hill Highway) over Little Uchee Creek Releif and on CR-137 (Pittsview Highway) over Weolusee Creek. Contractors and Bid Amounts: • Murphree Bridge Corporation — $1,299,644 • Newell & Bush Inc. — $1,351,772 • McInnis Construction LLC — $1,682,843 • Scott Bridge Company Inc. — $2,335,891 County: Bibb Contract ID: 20150731021 Project: Resurfacing, traffic stripe and roadway pipe
replacement. Location: On CR-58 from the junction of SR-6 (U.S.-82) to the intersection of SR-5 in Brent. Contractors and Bid Amounts: • Wiregrass Construction Company Inc. — $1,109,841 • Ikaros LLC — $1,150,000 • Dunn Construction Company Inc. — $1,227,884 • Midsouth Paving Inc. — $1,594,389 County: Cullman Contract ID: 20150731024 Project: Widening, resurfacing and traffic stripe. Location: On CR-747 from the Blount County line to the junction of CR-1545 northwest of Fairview. Contractors and Bid Amounts: • Reed Contracting Services Inc. — $2,427,837 • Good Hope Contracting Company Inc. — $2,478,467 • Wiregrass Construction Company Inc. — $2,963,806 County: Dale Contract ID: 20150731034 Project: Resurfacing and traffic stripe. Location: On various routes. Contractors and Bid Amounts: • Wiregrass Construction Company Inc. — $3,129,769 • Midsouth Paving Inc. — $3,431,472
Landscape Architect Strives to Incorporate Green Features ROTARY from page 2
was first made more than 25 years ago. A former Birmingham City Council member led a movement following proposals in a city center master plan to fill in the belowgrade areas and plant trees in the resulting street-level median to create a boulevard on First Avenue South. In addition to the pivotal donation from the Rotary Club, the city of Birmingham has pledged $2 million from a federal TIGER grant for streetscape and infrastructure improvements to enhance the highly anticipated project. The trail, created to expand Railroad Park’s impact eastward into downtown Birmingham, will serve as part of a proposed “Cross to Sloss” continuous recreational link between the Birmingham CrossPlex at Fair Park and Sloss Furnaces. The Birmingham firm Goodwyn Mills Cawood serves as landscape architect on the project, with urban designer Jane Ross having played a key role in the process. According to Jeff Slaton, Goodwyn Mills Cawood architect, “The primary design challenge was, of course, the confined site that is narrow and below grade. Also, it was changing people’s perceptions about what this unused rail bed could become.
“For so long, the rail bed was a big question mark, and what should be done with it. Changing perceptions was only possible because of the new development taking place downtown, the success of the nearby Railroad Park and the willingness of the Rotary Club to step up with a big portion of the funding for their centennial project, as well as the city,” said Slaton. One of the chief concerns when designing a project of this nature was the stability of the wall, according to Slaton. “There was plenty of spalding concrete to deal with. Overall, though, after examining the condition, it was surprisingly stable. The elements are a concern with any outdoor project like this. You are subject to the elements throughout the project. You are never dried in. Also, because it sits lower than street level, you have to deal with some drainage, because of rain.” Incorporating green features was another goal of the firm, although options were somewhat limited. “There aren’t many sustainable features that can be integrated in a space like this,” said Slaton. “The trail will include solar powered charging stations; however, the largest sustainable feature is the park itself
and the fact that it re-uses a space that was once seen as unusable. Taking what you have and making something new is the most sustainable thing you can do. “Although named Rotary Trail, it’s really more of a linear park, an extension of the highly successful Railroad Park nearby, but also a companion project to the Jones Valley Trail which runs parallel to Rotary Trail and extends across downtown Birmingham from east to west.” The firm has experience designing a number of city parks and trails for various uses, which Slaton called a plus in designing Rotary Trail. “They all seek to engage the community and provide a space for passive and active recreation or gathering spaces for play or open expression through the arts,” Slaton said. “All of these respond to their environment, whether it be topographical, geological or hydrographical. This one is unique in the confined space it occupies, and what that space has been for the city. It creates an opportunity to respond to a unique urban feature, and apply those same goals for a park or trail in a new way. We have the opportunity to create something no one else can replicate, because these are very specific
existing conditions. “We hope it engages the community as successfully as Railroad Park has. We want the park to help revitalize the business around it, and connect the new and exciting development taking shape from Regions Park to the Lakeview District. With the multiple access points throughout the trail, it will take an abandoned area with no real purpose that was seen as a literal scar in the middle of the city, and turn it into an asset where people can have lunch or just take a stroll in the middle of the day. Slaton said, “Rotary Trail defines a new moment in Birmingham’s history. It reflects the city’s dedication to preserving its assets, and providing new opportunities for the community. Rotary Trail takes a departure from your traditional park and, instead, breathes new life into an abandoned railroad cut. Amidst the existing graffiti and rubble, there’s an opportunity for the trail to be an instrument of social connectivity — to reconnect the many neighborhoods of this city.” (This story also can be found on Construction Equipment Guide’s Web site at www.constructionequipmentguide.com.) CEG
Construction Equipment Guide • Alabama State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • March 2, 2016 • Page 7
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