Creek Wall Construction Well Underway!
March 3, 2021 Project Update
Permits in hand, work on our new creek wall began in earnest this week on Thursday, February 25th.
The process started with the thawing out of the creek bed adjacent to the existing wall in preparation for the installation of the sheet piling that will form the new wall. Next, the crew removed the top courses of our stone wall were lifted, and set aside to allow heavy machinery to move in and operate from the creek bed. Discussions are underway on how the stone removed from the current wall could be used in the future.
The heavy equipment moved in the next day and began the process of installing the steel sheet piling into the creek bed. The ½-inch sheet piling is being driven into the creek bed using a …HUGE…Cat 330CL backhoe, with an enormous jaw that drives the 15-foot sheets into the creek bed immediately adjacent to the original stone wall. This action will not only stabilize the original wall but will also protect church property and grounds while keeping the creek in place.
Creek Wall Construction Set to Begin
February 24, 2021 Project Update
At our Annual Meeting in January 2021 we shared high-level information regarding the upcoming replacement of the retaining wall next to the Chapel wing of our parish. We are pleased to share that work on the project will begin soon. Read the latest update below.
Background
Our current retaining wall, which runs along our Chapel wing bordering Minnehaha Creek, is a stacked stone wall that has protected our building and outdoor patio area since the mid-1960s. Over the years the foundation of this wall has been eroding. This is due to age and, more recently, the very strong currents and rise of seasonal waters (see included photos).
Our parish Properties Committee undertook the project of determining the best course of action to strengthen the defense against creek flooding in the future. The planning and design phases of this project took place over the last year. Our Vestry approved the final project plans in September of 2020 and Atlas Foundation was selected to construct a new wall.
A New Wall
Our new wall, designed by civil and structural engineers, will consist of a set of vertical steel “piles” (or plates), interlocking tightly with each other. These piles will be driven into the creek bed directly next to the existing stone wall. This wall design is typically used for rivers, lakes, and harbors, although our wall will be on a much smaller scale than many other projects. The design can even be seen along Minnehaha Creek including a matching wall (see included photo) constructed three winters ago by one of the residential neighbors just downstream.
The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) Board approved the permit for the work by unanimous vote on January 14, 2021. Permit approval by the City of Edina followed on February 23 and we now have everything in place for construction to begin!
What to Expect During Construction
This project will begin soon and you can expect to see trucks, workers, building materials, and even some large equipment along Wooddale Avenue and IN the creek within the next two weeks. Here are answers to some of the most anticipated questions –
Why do this work in the winter? The type of project is best done during the winter when the water flow is very low or completely stopped, and the ground is frozen.
Is this construction safe for our building? During construction, there are specific measures being taken (and approved by the MCWD) to protect the creek, the shoreline, and our buildings. For example, the machinery that will drive the sheet piles into the ground uses a vibratory hammer that will eliminate the heavy banging often associated with pile driving. This protects our buildings and the stained glass windows of our Chapel that overlook the creek.
How long will the project take? The main part of the wall construction should take about two weeks. There will be some follow-up work in late winter or early spring. We also anticipate the need for some volunteers in the spring to work with our wonderful Garden Committee to complete landscaping and plantings.
How will the project be monitored during construction? Our Sexton, Chance Ritchie, and the Chair of our Properties Committee, Tom Weigel, will be monitoring the project on a daily basis. We’ll also be sharing photos and updates regularly. If you have any additional questions, you may direct them to Chance, Tom, or our Senior Warden, Jim Korlund.
