Though construction started in March, Collegedale-area residents are finally beginning to see the long-anticipated cultural and recreational center, The Commons, take shape.
Those passing by the 8-acre property behind Collegedale City Hall are sure to catch a glimpse of the frame structures that will eventually become The Commons’ entry pavilion and dual restroom facilities.
“I think some folks were starting to believe that we were never going to get it built,” chuckled David Barto, director of the Collegedale Tomorrow Foundation, which is spearheading the project. “So it’s nice to see it coming out of the ground.”
When construction is completed in late October, the erected facilities will be surrounded by a shaded market area, 30,000 square feet of paved surface covered by 32 oak trees. The shade market will be joined by a 25,000-square-foot covered pavilion market space to the east, which will break ground soon and wrap up in October.
The frame structure for one of The Commons two restroom facilities, at left, sits beside the beginnings of the community space’s entry pavilion. (Contributed photo)Also expected to be complete by October is a 27-foot stone clock tower that will be placed in front of Collegedale Public Library. Barto said planners initially intended to put the clock tower at The Commons, but opted to instead build it where it would be visible to drivers on Apison Pike.