The city of Memphis wanted the 10 ton "Mountaintop"monument moved.
Needed to be moved about a mile through downtown Memphis.
The city wanted it located at the new MLK Reflection Park in time for the MLK 50 Year Celebration (5 days away).
W. B. Day Construction was asked to make the move of the sculpture happen.
The sculpture was located in a tight area and had to be maneuvered carefully to get out of the old location.
How It Happened
W. B. Day Consstruction found the company who originally moved the monument back in 1977.
Got retired heavy equipment operator Gary Apple of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, to drive a 40-ton forklift to move the sculpture after other heavy lifting companies passed on the job because of the risk and liability issues.
Worked with city police to have an escort to stop traffice when moving the sculpture through downtown.
Finally, a crane was used to put the sculpture in its place in the park.
Results
Moving the monument through downtown took 45 minutes.
Two hours later after finding the right places to secure the sculpture, it was lifted and placed in its new location.
Secured in place in time for the city's MLK 50 Year Celebration at Dr. Martin Luthur King Reflection Park.
W. B. Day Construction got the job completed on time with no damage to the sculpture.
Starting out in an area across from the Convention Center on the Mid-America Mall.
The awkward sculpture could only be reaised a few inches during the whole trip.
A tight area that needed to take time to maneuver in order to get it out.
Making sure not to clip a light pole and damage the sculpture.
The awkward asymmetrical design made it difiicult to weave through the poles.
Finally, the Mountaintop Sculpture is on its way to its new home.
