WEATHER
Cement trucks rolled onto the corner lot at Harborview Drive and North Harborview Drive last Friday morning to lay the first corners of the foundation for the Harbor History Museum.
The first gush of the gray “mud” was symbolic in making the dream a reality for people who have worked, planned and raised money leading up to the moment.
The first section of concrete hit the dirt under a brilliant blue sky on a cool, sunny morning.
“This weather is perfect for pouring concrete,” said Jason Sousie, project manager for Wade Perrow Construction (WPC), the general contractor for the project. “It’s sunny, so the concrete will dry, but cool enough where it won’t dry too quickly.”
WPC has been doing business in the harbor for nearly 30 years.
“We are big supporters of the historical society,” Sousie said. “So we have a personal interest in this project. Right now we have our best guys out here.”
Museum Executive Director Jennifer Kilmer and Suzanne Loiland, campaign associate, were on hand, decked in hard hats.
“This has been a long time coming,” Kilmer said.
The introduction of the museum will open up the northwest corner of the harbor to the public, offering a new view of the harbor. Kilmer said visitors will be able to stroll around the back of the museum to enjoy the vistas. A footpath will eventually link the museum space with Austin Estuary Park, located just south of the property.
Sousie said the concrete floors in the open public areas, such as the entry way and lobby, will be diamond-ground to a smooth finish.
“We’ll diamond grind it to where it will have a sheen like glass,” he said. “That’s what so great about working with concrete. There’s so much you can do with it.”
The concrete slab for the museum’s administrative spaces and storage area were completed Friday, and the framing is now underway. Sousie said the next concrete pouring for the maritime gallery will take place during the next two to three weeks.
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