Crews renovating landscape beds between the Legislative Building and Cherberg, O'Brien buildings
Work crews this week began renovating landscape beds between the Legislative Building and the John A. Cherberg and John L. O'Brien Buildings.
Crews will use a mini-excavator to remove soil in one of the daffodil beds between the Legislative portico and the Sundial where plants have not been thriving. New soil will be added, followed by compost that will be roto-tilled into beds to improve soil health and aeration. All work involving equipment is scheduled to be completed by 7:30 a.m. daily to minimize noise impacts during the work day.
Two failing crabapple trees, one on each side of the portico, also will be removed and replaced by two narrow conifers -- to represent Western Washington forestry -- and two columnar apple trees -- to represent Eastern Washington agriculture. Plants with multiple seasons of interest will be installed so that varying colors will be displayed during the varying seasons.
Since planting is a quiet operation, this activity will occur throughout normal working hours. Care will be taken to not block pedestrian or vehicular traffic in this area.
The landscape project was identified as a priority in 2016 during planning for the exterior lighting project that began June 1, 2017. It also ties in with a project to upgrade and repair irrigation lines.
The improved landscaping between the Legislative Building and the Cherberg and O'Brien Buildings:
- Is designed to enhance the connection between the buildings.
- Will soften potential visual harshness of the concrete retaining wall that borders the pathway between the buildings.
- Fulfills what was envisioned in historic 1920s Olmsted landscape plan for the West Campus.
It also follows the more recent West Capitol Campus Historic Landscape Preservation Master Plan.
The project completion date is planned for June 30. Work is weather dependent.
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