Work continues on Los Lagartos; watch San Jacinto Plaza work on live cam

The City of El Paso’s Public Arts Program’s Facebook page has posted new pictures of the work being done on the Los Lagartos scultpure in Ohio.

View the Lagartos photos at http://bit.ly/TAGevz

“Contractors have begun the installation of underground utilities, plumbing, and footings for the caf as well as work on other utilities which will serve the plaza when it re-opens next year,” according to a news release from the City. “Work will soon begin on the shade structure, huacha court, and splash pad.

Elsewhere in the plaza, contractors have completed the removal off all existing sidewalks, benches, concrete, electrical infrastructure, and the underground bathrooms. In addition to excavating a decorative arroyo which will be landscaped with native plants, crews have removed six inches of top soil from the entire 1.5 acre site. New material will be brought in on which new decorative pavers will be placed in accordance with the design approved by El Paso City Council.

San Jacinto Plaza’s renovation is on track to be completed in February 2015 and will include the restored lagartos sculpture, a splash pad, and areas to play chess and ping pong.

You can follow the progress by reading the project manager’s construction blog at http://buildingsanjacintoplaza.wordpress.com and also watch the construction via live cam at http://bit.ly/1olC1XM

On June 19, the project manager wrote, “With earthwork and Plaza infrastructure nearing completion, Basic IDIQ has shifted gears and has begun construction of the first of many new site elements that will define the new San Jacinto Plaza.”

Reconstruction of San Jacinto Plaza is being overseen by the City of El Paso’s Engineering and Construction Management Department. The $6 million project is funded primarily by the 2012 Quality of Life Bonds.

“For the past several months, contractors have been completing necessary curb and gutter work and working to expand the footprint of the plaza by 10-feet in all directions,” said city project manager Rick Venegas said in Feb. 2014. “Now, contractors will start work on the reconstruction of the plaza which is at once transformational and true to the history of this important public space.”