Disney Springs construction begins

[drnilescrane]

They still have a ways to go too. They need to add stairs and the elevator for access to the top of the highline.

That got axed due to some major (and unexpected) code compliance issues. Didn't anybody notice the artwork depicting that feature got removed right about the same time the project fell off schedule for a summer opening?

 

[CDavid]

That got axed due to some major (and unexpected) code compliance issues. Didn't anybody notice the artwork depicting that feature got removed right about the same time the project fell off schedule for a summer opening?

The stairs and the elevator have been cut? Do you happen to know what exactly the code issue was?

 

[GoofGoof]

That got axed due to some major (and unexpected) code compliance issues. Didn't anybody notice the artwork depicting that feature got removed right about the same time the project fell off schedule for a summer opening?

Is this a really recent change? This concept art was still on the construction walls as of July:

Is it gone now?

 

[danlb_2000]

Is this a really recent change? This concept art was still on the construction walls as of July:

Is it gone now?

And it appears they did start the foundation for the elevator shaft...

From Save Pleasure Island

 

[GoofGoof]

To my knowledge only the section above the food trucks had seating on top. The other sections were just for shade and decoration.

 

[drnilescrane]

And it appears they did start the foundation for the elevator shaft...

From Save Pleasure Island

That's a pit for services that's inside a garden planter - it's not deep enough to support an elevator structure. That photo was taken well after the change was made. The artwork got removed in early September when somebody realized the signs said Summer 2014.

As I understand the issue is that the structures, as built, are legally above the threshold to require fire active suppression mechanisms and redundant egress among other things (which weren't added originally, requiring that partial rebuild of the Starbucks structure). Basically, it just didn't make sense to add access to top to that one structure with all those extra requirements. When they were all going to connect to the surrounding buildings, sure.

 

[Next Big Thing]

They did change the signs to "Fall 2014"... I can't remember where I saw it though (possibly on here?). Potentially in that artwork it would give more clues if anyone can find it.

 

[GoofGoof]

Here's some recent pictures I found online. The sign updated to say fall 2014 and the concept art is now missing the umbrellas and tables up top and there are now tables and chairs at ground level. Good catch @drnilescrane

 

[Next Big Thing]

Then what the hell is the point of those things? Sure they add some shad and a tad bit of theme, but with them being disconnected like they are, it makes it even worse.

At least if they were all connected i'd say at the very least put stairs to go up and it would be a nice upper walk way from Splitsville to Starbucks. Not it just seems like there's no point.

 

[NeXuS1000]

I agree that having them accessible for a walk would be nice, but since when did "just for theming" become a negative thing in regards to theme parks? I'd rather have these only for theming than nothing.

 

[WDWtraveler]

IMHO, people standing around or eating/drinking on top of the elevated structure presented a real challenge. How would Disney control people from tossing things over the railing onto the people walking below? Too tempting for some people. I think the concept was dropped in favor of providing welcome shade during the day.

 

[Next Big Thing]

I agree that having them accessible for a walk would be nice, but since when did "just for theming" become a negative thing in regards to theme parks? I'd rather have these only for theming than nothing.

I'm not saying it's a negative thing, but it could also be much more than it will be.

 

[JordanKing]

If they aren't adding stairs and an elevator, I have no idea why this area is taking so long...

 

[jkpmac]

Then what the hell is the point of those things? Sure they add some shad and a tad bit of theme, but with them being disconnected like they are, it makes it even worse.

At least if they were all connected i'd say at the very least put stairs to go up and it would be a nice upper walk way from Splitsville to Starbucks. Not it just seems like there's no point.

If you have ever been caught in the rain and have to walk from Disney Quest to your resort bus a fair distance a way you will appreciate those, elevator, stairs and tables for up top or not.

 

[Next Big Thing]

If you have ever been caught in the rain and have to walk from Disney Quest to your resort bus a fair distance a way you will appreciate those, elevator, stairs and tables for up top or not.

Yeah, you and about 1000 of your not-so-closest friends will be under those things...

 

[GoofGoof]

If you have ever been caught in the rain and have to walk from Disney Quest to your resort bus a fair distance a way you will appreciate those, elevator, stairs and tables for up top or not.

Yeah, you and about 1000 of your not-so-closest friends will be under those things...

I think the primary function will be as a decoration and a large, unique style planter. The ancillary benefit will be shade and cover. Since they aren't connected it won't allow you to go from one end to the other under complete cover. I imagine the seating in the shadows by the food trucks will be popular on hot days.

 

[John]

Before I throw my two cents in here I just want to say that given the fact I am a card carrying gloom and doomer to most things WDW these days. I was really holding out hope for DTD. I was actually excited for this project. I liked DTD. Although my affinity for the place was prior to the last few years I enjoyed my time there.

Now about these "shade" structures......why? Just why? If it was a code problem I am blaming the engineers....sorry Master Yoda! But it is there job to know when designing these things that codes are taking into account. It seems they didn't realize these problems till after construction of them began. SO now we have these weird looking awnings for shade.....and expensive to boot. Theming?....huh? Sections of overhead freeway?
I know they were supposed be overhead train bridges or something of the sort.....I always thought a train bridge was supposed to have tracks? If you are going to theme it, I think that small detail would be important.....don't you?

 

[Bolt]

Before I throw my two cents in here I just want to say that given the fact I am a card carrying gloom and doomer to most things WDW these days. I was really holding out hope for DTD. I was actually excited for this project. I liked DTD. Although my affinity for the place was prior to the last few years I enjoyed my time there.

Now about these "shade" structures......why? Just why? If it was a code problem I am blaming the engineers....sorry Master Yoda! But it is there job to know when designing these things that codes are taking into account. It seems they didn't realize these problems till after construction of them began. SO now we have these weird looking awnings for shade.....and expensive to boot. Theming?....huh? Sections of overhead freeway?
I know they were supposed be overhead train bridges or something of the sort.....I always thought a train bridge was supposed to have tracks? If you are going to theme it, I think that small detail would be important.....don't you?

I like them.

 

[GoofGoof]

I like them.

You would...if they aren't adding more fire hydrants you at least get something to mark your territory on

I'm kinda not sure yet. They seem odd and a little out of place now, but I'm thinking after all of the construction is wrapped up and they have plants/flowers on them they should look better. I'm a little disappointed that there won't be seating on top. That seemed like a good place to relax and do some people watching. Any shade in that area is welcome.

 

[photoflight]

A compilation of construction images from July '13 to Nov '14. It's a slow transition between images with a pause between them. At the end I did a faster transition version.



edit: changed video url