CAPE MAY — Reporter Jack Fichter photographed the reconstruction of the Washington Street Mall beginning in November 2007 and continued every two weeks to its completion in May 2008.

The video is a 2 minute, 40 second condensed version of all the construction work.

A new brick walking surface, planters, benches, fountains and arbors on the newly refurbished mall will greet visitors this summer.
Work on the mall began in early November with removal of benches, monuments, planters and flagpoles.

The scope of the mall infrastructure and paving project went from Perry to Ocean streets including Sawyer and Hill walks and Draper Way. The work stretched onto Jackson and Decatur streets from Lyle to Carpenter lanes

In late November, the mall’s concrete paving began to be removed in the 300 and 400 blocks.

Concrete was removed from the 30-foot center of the mall leaving a 10-foot wide section in front of stores. Water lines, storm drainage pipes with new catch basins, and sanitary sewer lines were installed down the length of the mall.

A plastic safety fence was placed along the trench. The mall continued to draw large crowds during milder weather throughout construction.

Sidewalks on Perry Street were removed in early December. The Town Crier was also moved to Rotary Park temporarily.

Crushed concrete was used to maintain a five-foot walk in front of stores.

A storm sewer main was installed in the 300 block the week after Christmas.

In January, streetlight bases were installed and additional electrical conduit installed in front of stores and sanitary sewer mains were installed in the 400 and 500 blocks.

In February, tree planters were installed in the 300 and 400 blocks. Lights were installed in the 300 block.

A concrete base, poured in 100-foot sections that could be walked on was installed along building fronts.

Brick surfaces were installed from late March through mid April.

Fountains and pergolas to hide electrical transformers were installed from late February to mid March.
New trees were planted in late April.

Work was substantially completed on May 16. A formal dedication ceremony will be held June 21 at 10 a.m.