A number of neighborhood maintenance and improvement projects were completed in the last half of 2017. The main entrance sign was cleaned and the lettering repainted; the landscaping and trees along the main entrance drive were pruned and some plantings were replaced; and new Hall signs were installed on the brick pillars at the three entrance points to the open space.

As the winter weather breaks this spring, you’ll also begin to see some additional projects begin.

Common Area Landscaping. The common area landscaping work will continue into this year with some additional landscape plantings, replacement trees, and necessary pruning.

Pond Maintenance. Some new options for maintaining the pond are being evaluated. Some options under consideration include a fountain, a sonic water treatment system, dredging to remove sediment, and fish replacement to support algae control.

Brick Wall Repairs. Grandin Hall’s brick wall bordering 146^th Street and along the main entrance is arguably our neighborhood’s most architecturally-distinguishing feature. Unfortunately, the wall is in need of some structural repairs to maintain its stately appearance. The streetside wall, main entrance wall, and the seat wall around the Hall is approximately 1,700 linear feet with 83 pillars. This large project will be funded by reserves over 2-3 years.

The repairs will involve the following: 

• The water tables on the pillars (limestone-looking ledge about half-way up each pillar) were installed at an incorrect angle with three pieces instead of one. This has caused each to hold water, snow and ice, rather than shedding it away from the pillars. All of the miter joints will be ground and caulked with a silicone sealant.
• The head joints in the water tables across the top of the wall will also be ground and caulked.
• The long walls were installed without control joints, which has caused fracturing in the pillars as expansion has occurred with freezing. At least 18 pillars are affected and require repair.
• For aesthetics, all of the caps, coping and water tables will be power washed.
• Once the repair work is completed, the brick will be sealed.

Once the work is complete, the masonry should remain sound for at least 10 years. Bids are being secured and work on this project could begin as soon as late spring.