Updated as of 2:45 p.m. Aug. 4 to include comment from the town of Elon development director and the latest plaza rendering.
After announcing plans to create a permanent outdoor structure in downtown Elon two years ago, construction for the project began Aug. 3.
Currently, construction is supposed to finish around the end of November, according to town manager Rich Roedner.
“We're happy that it's finally underway, we've been talking about this for a while now and so it's good to see some progress being made,” Roedner said. “With a little bit of patience from everybody, we'll get through this and we'll have some really nice down there by the time it's all said and done.”
The latest rendering of the downtown Elon plaza. Since the first rendering, the design in the brickwork has changed. Courtesy of Jill Weston.
Jill Weston, town of Elon downtown development director, said she is excited to bring together the Elon community through this gathering space. She said there will most likely be a kickoff event when the space is finished, and the Christmas tree will be displayed there if the construction is finished in time.
“We just look forward to having the students and the community work together and then do more programming and events for a combination for everybody,” Weston said.
Bill Boone, owner of the construction company working on the space, B&H Grading, has worked on multiple construction projects in Elon previously — including work on the Elon Community Church.
Boone said even with the rainy weather, construction was able to continue as normal, and they began with removing the curbs on the road.
“It’s a good demo day,” Boone said. “Rainy days are good demo days.”