If all goes according to plan, the public will have limited access to the Miami Circle site by the end of the year. Construction on the park at the mouth of the Miami River in Brickell, designed by the Orlando-based architectural firm Glatting Jackson Kercher Anglin, began in June, said Ryan Wheeler, chief of the state's
Bureau of Archaeological Research.
Miami-based Zurqui Construction Services is construction manager.
"Things are looking good, now that construction is under way," said Spencer Crowley III, an Akerman Senterfitt attorney who represents Miami-Dade County on the board of the Florida Inland Navigation District, which finances shoreline improvements.
He said the Florida Department of Environmental Protection last week issued a permit for a stormwater well, a crucial component of the site's drainage system.
On the day after the permit was issued, construction on the well had begun, said Jorge Zamanillo, curator of object collections at HistoryMiami, the museum that manages the site.
"Another milestone coming up," Mr. Crowley said, "will be planting some of the bigger trees on site, to give them time to adapt before the park opens."
The park will be integrated into the Riverwalk project, Dr. Wheeler said, and will include interpretative signage about the history of the property as well as the Miami Circle.
"There's a bus turnaround loop for tour groups, accessible handicap parking and a walkway going out to a patio around the area," he said. "Right now we're looking at completion in December or January."
Mr. Crowley said an archaeologist is on site at all times during construction to be sure that the fragile structure is not damaged.
The fragility of the 2,000-year-old Native American artifact, uncovered in 1998 during a routine pre-construction survey and now designated a National Historic Landmark, remains an obstacle in allowing direct access to it. At the moment, it's buried under layers of protective limestone.
"It would be interesting for people to be able to see the Circle itself," Dr. Wheeler said. "Unfortunately we have not been able to resolve the issue of how to exhibit it and yet keep it safe. There are considerations in terms of both the natural environment and vandalism."
Artifacts uncovered during excavations at the site are on display at the museum in a permanent exhibition section called "First Arrivals," he said.
Once a construction completion date is firmed up, Mr. Zamanillo said HistoryMiami plans to schedule a grand opening.
More Details at http://www.historymiami.org/miamicircle
Source: http://www.miamitodaynews.com/news/100805/story7.shtml
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