By Staff
Construction at Central UMC closes street
By Sharon White/The Meridian Star
March 8, 2001
Sometimes you have to take a detour to get where you're going. Sometimes, others have to detour because of where you're going, says the Rev. Nick Nicholson, pastor at Central United Methodist Church.
For two days, 22nd Avenue was closed between 10th and 11th streets because of ongoing construction of Central UMC's $6.7 million building and renovation project.
The street re-opened Wednesday at 5 p.m.
Meridian Public Works Department officials said Wednesday the "lumps and bumps" remaining will be patched, providing a smoother ride within the next couple of days.
The detour was necessary beginning Tuesday so that plumbing contractors from McElroy Plumbing could work with a city work crew to tap into Meridian's main sewer line.
Ground-breaking ceremonies began in September with a promise of an all-new meeting place for both the early and mid-morning worship services for the 500-member congregation.
The project is expected to be complete by July 2002, building committee members say.
He said the overall plan includes an underground parking lot which will be accessible from the 10th Street side, and a covered drive on the 11th Street side.
Construction workers have been working on trying to pour foundations and erect walls for the new building since December, he said.
Contractors said February's weather has been the most difficult to work around since the project began.
Sharon White is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. E-mail her at swhite@themeridianstar.com.