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Phase One of North End Project Complete

This Week's Construction Update

Visible progress has been made over the past week as Japanese Pagoda trees were planted along the northern edge of the plaza to complete Phase One of the project. Crews have been hard at work paving the north plaza and installing granite curbs along the northwest and northeast corners of the site in preparation for the plaza's re-opening to pedestrians and the Greenmarket at the beginning of next week.

Other recent site work includes completion of sanitary and storm sewer connections beneath 17th Street as well as the plumbing layout in the basement of the Pavilion. Historic Bishop's Crook lamp posts have also been installed along the northern perimeter of the site.

Looking ahead at construction scheduled through the end of the year, site work will be concentrated on the Pavilion and playground areas. Focusing on this smaller area will allow room for the Union Square Holiday Market and Greenmarket to operate simultaneously in the park during the holiday season. Work on the west plaza will commence after the new year.

Question of the Week

Question: Can you describe the trees that were just planted at the site?

Answer. Nine Japanese Pagoda trees (Sophora Japonica) now line the northern edge of the plaza, and more will be planted along the western edge during Phase Two of construction. The species was chosen for its broad, upright crown of branches and its robust tolerance of urban soil conditions. Japanese Pagoda trees will grow to a mature height of approximately 60 feet, with a comparable crown spread that will amply shade the plaza below. Tree flowers bloom creamy white from July through mid-August and have a mild fragrance.