Gazebo uprooted from downtown perch
|
But that was exactly what happened yesterday after around a dozen workers gathered to move the gazebo from its perch at Court Square in conjunction with downtown construction.
Plans are eventually to place the gazebo in the vacant city lot located next to Paul Holder Realty, formerly known as “The Hole.” But since the base the gazebo will rest on is not complete, crews moved the structure to a parking lot next to the Farmers Market.
“This is a temporary location until the site is prepped and ready,” Public Works director Bill Brock said of changing the location.
Moving the gazebo was a significant effort that involved bracing it and utilizing large telephone poles as runners. Using ropes and heavy equipment, crews slid the structure intact down East Main and Spring streets.
“This was a major undertaking,” a relieved Brock said after it was successfully moved. “When you start moving wood structures, there’s a lot of shaking and you don’t know how much it can take. There’s a lot to be said for the construction.”
The effort involved public works, Broom Construction and general contractor Apex Construction. It took around two hours from start to finish, not counting the bracing work that had been done earlier this week.
Brock said once the permanent site is ready, plans are to move the gazebo there through back parking lots. It will be hoisted by a crane onto its new base.
Parks and Recreation director Carlene Brown said the gazebo, dedicated to the city by the Warren County Home Builders Association in 1993, is insured for about $16,000.
“It was either tear it town and destroy it or move it, and we moved it at minimal costs,” Brock added.