There’s been a whole lot of construction work on display on our East View for quite a while now. Not only was it unsightly, marring the fantastic view of City-County Plaza and Pack Square, but it was a NIGHTMARE to have to drive or walk through, and it was often very, very loud. But good news is upon us! The Asheville Citizen-Times reports that work is wrapping up and the fences have come down.
The construction fence around Reuter Terrace came down Wednesday. It was the last area where major work on Pack Square Park had been under way.
The completion of some drainage work could herald the approach of the first day since September 2006 that some part of the 6.5 acres of downtown park space has not been blocked off by fences, barrels or some other barrier.
Soon, we will be able to enjoy Pack Square Park as the designers intended. Watching it all develop over the past couple of years has been pretty interesting. It’s not completely done yet, though, there’s still a bit of work to do:
Part of the park will probably be closed off again later this year while workers install a kiosk with an information desk and restrooms on part of a large grassy area in Reuter Terrace. The conservancy may eventually put a more elaborate pavilion on that spot. Work to improve drainage near the future Pack Tavern on Spruce Street was still going on Wednesday.
Contractors have some minor items to complete before the park is truly finished, said Gary Giniat, executive director of Pack Square Conservancy, the nonprofit in charge of the park project.