Brick Watch! Archives

We'd like to thank the Brickademy...

Fri, 08 May 2009 13:15:19 -0400

You may not believe it, but you'll be pretty happy for us anyway. Trust.

Council voices approval, snubs Brick Watch

Tue, 05 May 2009 15:12:24 -0400

Last night, as we said they would, City Council met to review the Mall rebricking project. Here's what we came away with.

City Council to voice their approval

Mon, 04 May 2009 12:34:12 -0400

The Charlottesville City Council will hold a meeting this evening to discuss, among other things, how well the rebricking project went.

Day 116: This is the end

Fri, 01 May 2009 16:44:45 -0400

The project is coming to a close and, thus, Brick Watch must say goodbye.

Day 115: Memories...light the corners of our bricks

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 21:14:26 -0400

Can it be that it was all so simple then? Or has time rewritten every bricked line?

Day 114: Dance, monkey! Dance!

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:49:13 -0400

Now we're gonna do a dance. A happy dance, if you will. ...And yes, you will.

Day 113: Cruciforms at the crossings?

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 11:08:22 -0400

Crossing off a cruciform crossing misconception.

Day 112: Spring Fever

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:32:12 -0400

Construction isn't quite as done as it should be, but honestly, the most annoying thing on the Downtown Mall is all the pollen.

Day 109: The Weatherford cast says...

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:27:30 -0400

Chris Weatherford stopped in the office this morning and BW grilled him for answers!

Day 108: Shakespeare is obnoxious (and 445 today)

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 12:48:24 -0400

The thumbnail you see next to this text has little to do with Shakespeare, but isn't it funny? BW loves cropping! Read on for relevance.

Day 107: We're only happy when it rains

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:19:00 -0400

BW is finding ourselves a little under the weather (ha! Get it? Because we're on the Mall and the weather is...).

[UPDATED] Day 106: Madness, mayhem and hilarity

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:53:16 -0400

While strolling the Mall this morning for inspiration (brickspiration?), BW noticed a few accidental hilarities that we would like to share with you.

Day 105: Why can't we if we wanna? Yes we can-can!

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 09:49:43 -0400

Party at the 300 block, Dave Matthews, brick jewelry and more. Lots more.

Day 102: Brick brick brick

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:13:59 -0400

Today, dear bricksters, is April 17. Or, as we here at Brick Watch headquarters call it, Dave Matthews Band Concert Day 1.

Day 101: Oh, what a beautiful morning

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:07:15 -0400

With little more than a week to go, it looks as if the Mall is starting to emerge from its shell.

Day 100: Crack away

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 10:40:38 -0400

Ugly bricks?! Not for long. Brick Watch celebrates its hundredth day with a look at some of the Mall's fallen heroes.

Day 99: Finalize this

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:32:17 -0400

As we creep ever closer to the (gasp!) completion date, we take a minute to scope out what's looking good, and what may need a little patience.

Day 98: Ah, oui! Zee block partee!

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:51:54 -0400

We don't know about you, but we're particularly looking forward to the tricycle race.

Day 95: Of bathroom stalls and goodbyes

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 16:53:50 -0400

What C-VILLE's News Editor wants, C-VILLE's News Editor gets.

Day 93 and 94: He's a Brickhouse

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 10:46:10 -0400

Brick Watch travels to (the real) Chicago!

Day 92: Car-free zone, pt. 2

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 11:37:54 -0400

We continue our walk down pedestrian lanes.

Day 91: Car-free zone, pt. 1

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:36:01 -0400

A lesson in urban planning, and a look at how our Downtown Mall came to be.

Day 88: Like on vacay? Let's all go

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 16:32:09 -0400

Just in time for us to dash off, the weather has turned warm!

Day 87: Why you wanna give me the run around?

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:08:36 -0400

Is the Charlottesville 10-miler going to have to change its route to avoid the Downtown rebricking?

Day 86: BRICK WORKERS ON STRIKE!

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:23:49 -0400

Talks between labor representatives and construction management broken down last night.

Day 85: Start spreading the news

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:18:13 -0400

We love New York! But the question remains: Do you? Or, rather, will you?

Day 84: Brick apocalypse

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:18:31 -0400

When is our world going to end?

Day 81: And now, a word from the front office

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:16:51 -0400

C-VILLE Editor Cathy Harding stamps her heels in defense of the bricks.

Day 80: Cross street traffic

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 15:40:11 -0400

And here we thought everything was going so smoothly, too.

Day 79: Hold me closer, tiny brickster

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:09:41 -0400

Work, as always, marches on. But seriously, what are they going to do with those little brick bits?

Day 78: Questions from beyond

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:12:45 -0400

...Well, beyond Brick Watch headquarters, anyway. They wanted answers, we got 'em!

Day 77: Vampires amongst us

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:45:09 -0400

Talk about lock jaw! Read on to find out how blood-sucking creatures fit into this week's block party.

Day 74: Project Brickway Part II

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:56:29 -0400

Because sometimes, just one brick fashion show isn't enough.

Day 73: Project Brickway?

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 16:16:29 -0400

Today, the bricks put on a show for you. We regret to inform you, however, that Tyra was unable to attend.

Day 72: Talkin' bout my renovation

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:07:32 -0400

With no themed block party to pick on this week, guess we'll have to talk about the Downtown renovation project again.

Day 71: Smooth sailing

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:21:01 -0400

Calm seas on the Downtown Mall this St. Patrick's Day. But, is that a good thing?

Day 70: Where are we?

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:53:31 -0400

The Downtown Mall looks like a war-torn country, don't you think?

Day 68: It's probably not our fault

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:44:35 -0400

Will you be Dublin over this weekend from all the fun things happening at the 100 east block?

Day 67: De arbeiders leggen constant bakstenen

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:18:19 -0400

Can you say, "Work is being done?" We can...10 different ways!

Day 66: Brickin' it to the man

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:59:44 -0400

Downtown restaurants go through a rebellious phase.

Day 65: Bricks for dinner

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 11:36:06 -0400

No, we're not talking about brick soup again.

Day 64: Crumbled bricks and limericks

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 13:14:05 -0400

As the 100 east block draws to a close, we look at things right under our nose.

Day 61: London calling

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 12:04:21 -0400

The Clash! Fish 'n' Chips! Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace! What city is the 500 East block celebrating this week? That's elementary, my dear Brickson.

Day 59 and 60: Oh, how we've missed you

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:21:45 -0400

Watch, as the Amazing Brick Watch turns two days' worth of information into one blog post!

Day 58: It's snow problem

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 12:08:51 -0400

Yesterday's snow cover may have bungled your plans, but it didn't mess with the bricks.

Day 57: Snow on your shoe, bricks under it too!

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:06:51 -0400

Oh, ho! This lovely snow, it honors a man whom we all know!

Day 54: Brick me up, Scotty!

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:38:43 -0400

What do Mars and New Orleans have in common? Read on to find out the answer!

Day 53: You dun good, kids

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 16:20:38 -0400

We here at Brick Watch don't like to resort to threats, but it seems to be all you people respond to. Curious, no?

Day 52: These are the consequences

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:52:52 -0400

This is what happens when you don't respond.

Day 51: Which brick is which?

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 11:43:21 -0400

A little Downtown brick scavenger hunt. Search the Mall, search your memory, give us the answers. You'll win lots of...respect.

Day 50: New Orleans here we come!

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 14:15:33 -0400

Bitter cold can't stop the party.

Day 47: The absence of proof

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 14:16:35 -0400

Winter hibernation is in full swing, and it appears that fact's not lost on construction crews Downtown.

Day 46: Anything you can do...

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 10:35:52 -0400

An open letter to the city's Downtown Mall rebricking blog.

Day 45: Chi-Town in C'ville?

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 09:50:52 -0400

Always had a thing for The Untouchables? Crazy about the Cubs? Love hot dogs with cole slaw, tomatoes, and a whole pickle? Then it's a good thing you live in Charlottesville this week.

Day 44: A day in pictures

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:25:24 -0400

We here at Brick Watch are visual people. Join us, as we document the Downtown Mall rebricking process.

Day 43: All that jazz!

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:51:35 -0400

Friends, countrymen, Bricktopians! Lend me your eyes. Brick Watch hopes you had a fantastic Valentine weekend.

Day 40: "No big swoosh"

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:29:29 -0400

Thank goodness it's Friday, brickophiles!

Day 39: It's time to get down, get bricky

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:03:12 -0400

The neighborhood's throwing a block party to celebrate...Chicago?

Day 38: Bricks on the moon!

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:25:25 -0400

If you were a brick, where would you be? And what would you be doing? Find out what's happening with bricks in other parts of the world.

Day 37: Field trip!

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 11:18:24 -0400

Hope you have your permission slips ready, brickies. Time for a field trip to the Mall.

Day 36: Masks and trees, please

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 13:02:32 -0400

Today, we take some time to address concerns and questions that you have asked us.

Day 33: While our bricks gently weep

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 10:29:06 -0400

It's National Wear Red Day and the bricks are doing their part to support the cause. What have you done today?

Day 32: Signs of what's to come

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 14:45:33 -0400

On this cold and blustery day, Brick Watch noticed some rather optimistic signage on our walk to work this morning.

Day 31: Brick layers do it bent over

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 12:43:23 -0400

It's hump day, bricklovers. Which seems entirely appropriate, given that's exactly what these construction crews are facing if they don't watch their backs.

Day 30: The Brick and the Famous

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 13:40:11 -0400

As bricking and demolition continue this week, C-VILLE is finally getting a first-person perspective on just what its like to have Mall construction going on in front of your office.

Day 29: "Starting to roll"

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 14:36:42 -0400

Good Monday, brick watchers. After a hearty meal and a weekend of work, the weather is unseasonably warm and the crews are working diligently

Day 26: Free lunch!

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:26:28 -0400

Not for you, brickfans. For the construction crews!

Day 24 and 25: Many apologies, bricksters

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 11:46:31 -0400

First, let Brick Watch explain. It's not easy watching bricks. The eye strain alone is enough to send a person, and a brick-loving one at that, into a coma.

Day 23: Snow day equals slow day

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 12:09:01 -0400

Let's talk snow, brick watchers. Even before Brick Watch was born, C-VILLE did a cover story on the Mall rebricking,

Day 22: Dust, parties and mazes...oh my!

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 11:15:15 -0400

Apparently, there has been a dust problem on the Downtown Mall lately. Who knew? OK, enough gloating, it's time to talk about...parties.

Is this your heel, boy?

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 17:48:15 -0400

Found in front of Eppie's on the Downtown Mall, lonely and lodged between some bricks: One heel, slightly worn.

Day 19: Delayed paver production slows progress

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 11:16:27 -0400

The Downtown Mall Renewal project has been slowed by adjustments being made to the production of the pavers used on the Mall walkways.

Day 18: Brickology 101

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 12:55:23 -0400

Out of concern that we may be focusing our brick-o-vision too tightly on the construction process, today's episode will belong completely to the star of our Mall: the brick.

Day 17: Meet your neighborhood construction worker

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 14:10:36 -0400

Wonder who's under (that rhymes!) those white hats? Here's your chance to meet a member of Parham's construction crew!

Day 16: This land is your, our land

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 11:29:53 -0400

Brick Watch will be brief, as we're all eagerly watching the inauguration.

Day 15: Phase 3 ENGAGE!

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 12:15:51 -0400

Bon jour beautiful brick babies! As we begin week three of Brickfest, so begins the aptly named "Phase 3" of the project.

Day 12: Bricky, it's cold outside

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:08:03 -0400

It's very cold outside. Construction crews are still stationed at the 200 blocks east and west, and at Central Place. And good news: The dust has cleared.

Day 11: Dust in me

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 10:48:06 -0400

Mornin', bricksters! Whether it's a good morning is a different topic. Brick Watch was set to get a cup of coffee before work today but was nearly deterred by a looming cloud of dust at the west 200 block.

Day 10: Got questions?

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 13:28:25 -0400

Brick Watch has the answers to all your paver-related questions.

Day nine: Is Java Java losing business?

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 12:31:10 -0400

And we thought everything was going so smoothly.

Day eight: Project still on time

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:51:06 -0400

Good morning, fellow brick watchers! The sun is shining, the air is crisp, and the bricks are still coming up one by one.

Day five: Updates, shout-outs, fun facts, oh my!

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 11:54:25 -0400

So many things to share with you about bricks, so little reason to devote an entire blog post to each of them.

Day four: Crews back in action

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 13:01:14 -0400

"So far so good," says Debbie Brewer, who works at The Mole Hole. "They're doing such a good job, the way they're doing it. Block by block."

UPDATE: Day three: Weather delays demolition

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:24:43 -0400

Because of today's rain, progress on the rebricking has slowed.

Day two: Free parking!

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:23:40 -0400

There may be a whole slew of walking area blocked off for construction (the 200 block on the west end, the 100 and 300 blocks on the east end)

Day one: Rebricking not a bother...so far

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 13:28:07 -0400

And we're off! The Downtown Mall rebricking has officially begun.