How and Where to Relocate Controversial Memorial Statues

The Southern Poverty Law Center’s research discovered that nearly two-thirds of all Confederate monuments were built during the Jim Crow and Civil Rights era. These memorial statues create controversy relative to American history and the Union’s laws.

A recent New York Times article suggests that “at a crime scene, you don’t destroy evidence.” Whether or not people agree on the meaning of controversial statues like these, it’s possible they can be relocated thanks to breakthroughs in industrial moving equipment.

If you’re interested in what can be done to make use of these memorial statues as opposed to destroying them, consider these three novel ideas.

1. A Monument Park Regarding The Civil War

Monuments and museums that teach about the American Civil War are scattered all over the country. Placing a monument used to be difficult, often involving having the statue be constructed on location.

By using state-of-the-art skates to handle heavy loads, it’s now possible to move massive marble statues around the country.

Since they’ve never been easy to move, why not bring them all to one central location where viewers can learn about them in a modern context? People can then learn the history of slavery as connected to the war and the figures who were central to that struggle.

2. Museums for Sculpture

Memorial statues of controversial figures can be included in museums, where they can be discussed for their sculptural qualities. Removed from the context of commemorating a space, they can be dissected academically. Their removal could be facilitated by the same kinds of machine moving skates that are standard in manufacturing.

History is full of art depicting problematic figures, so they could end up fitting right in.

3. A Park Talking About Why They Were Built

As mentioned in the introduction, many of these memorial sculptures get built as a reaction to some cultural or social change. Some have been accused of staking a regressive claim in neighborhoods that are becoming more diverse. Thanks to developments in hauling, these statues can now be easily transported as many major structural relocations have exhibited.

Moving Confederate monuments to a park where they can be discussed in the context of Jim Crow and Civil Rights could be instructive to people of all ages.

Memorial Statues Can Still Teach

The history contained within some memorial statues is painful to many communities living today. This is reason enough to examine their location and their existence. But before we destroy them, we should consider ways they can be used.

If you’re interested in finding out how this kind of work would be done, check out our guide on how to relocate large structures.

In 1960, a dam in Egypt required the Abu Simbel temple, composed of 30-ton bricks,to be moved brick by brick to a new location. Rather than destroy the temple, the thousand or more blocks were individually marked and numbered before being reassembled. In this way, the building was preserved.

Historic preservation is one of the top benefits of structure relocation.

Buildings might have to be moved because of a civic need or simply because someone wants to bring the structure to a new environment. For instance, the wealthy buyers of Captain Cook’s cabin dismantled it in the US and had it rebuilt in Australia.

Moving a structure can have lots of great benefits. Here are the top four reasons to consider a structure relocation.

1. Structure Relocation Preserves History

If you have a family history or if something significant took place at the location you’re planning on moving, you can preserve all of it with a relocation. Relocation allows for a structure to be kept intact but moved to another geographic location. Even the London Bridge has been moved around.

While this can be an expensive prospect, there’s no way to recreate history in an authentic way. Keeping a structure together can ensure that a certain house always feels like home, no matter where the foundation is located.

2. Save Materials from Landfills

Building materials, especially from older buildings, can have difficult-to-recycle or toxic elements contained within them. As global warming reaches a fever pitch, it’s incumbent upon all of us to think about ways that we can limit our impact.

Keeping construction materials out of the landfill and continuing to use those materials in a building reduce the carbon footprint a the project. Keeping a structure intact could also spare unnecessary waste from piling up.

3. Save Cost of Building

Building a new structure in the contemporary economy could cost a small fortune depending on what you’re building. Properties made of brick or stone could last for centuries and cost relatively little to construct.

Due to current pricing and municipal codes, it might not be possible to build the structure that you’d be moving. In fact, relocation might be the only viable option.

4. Resolve Property Issues

Perhaps there’s a small property issue that’s got a building up for demolition. Rather than move it three feet to where the actual property line is, someone has suggested demolition.

If a strong case can be made for keeping a structure, relocation might be the way to keep that building intact. Moving just a few feet could even be cheaper than building it all over again.

Structure Relocation Can Be Affordable

With the cost of new construction, relocating a structure just might be the cheapest option. With all of the historical benefits of relocation, it might be worth considering, not only for the price but for fewer hassles too.

If you’re looking for a way to move a heavy load like a structure, contact us for tips on what sorts of equipment you’ll need to get the job done.

What to Consider Before Moving a Barn

When America was founded, Thomas Jefferson believed it would become a country whose local farmers gave it complete independence and freedom. And, although the family farm is less common than it once was, barns are still a crucial part of many farming operations—and of the American landscape.

Whether your barn has historic value or is just a practical part of your farm, it’s important to be able to relocate it properly so you can use it for years to come.

We’ve put together this essential guide to moving a barn the right way. Read on to find out what you need to consider before a barn relocation.

1. Condition of the Barn

How old the barn is and the condition that it’s in will determine your approach to moving it. However, older barns aren’t necessarily more fragile.

Barns built prior to 1900 often used stronger beams because there were enough individual virgin-growth trees to build with. Old barns, therefore, usually used fewer parts, but stronger ones, which makes them easier to transport today. As old-growth forests disappeared and younger trees were used more for building, barns became more prone to collapse.

No matter the age or construction of the barn, you’ll still want to check what condition it’s in before the move. If there is damage from insects or water, this will affect your approach to moving it.

2. Distance of the Move

For short moves, it can make sense to move the entire barn as one piece. But for longer moves, this may actually not be the best choice. In fact, most of the time, it’s best to take the barn apart for the move. This is the safest option, but it does require specific equipment and construction knowledge.

When moving a historic barn, you’ll also want to consider the significance of its location before you move it. A short move to a permanent location is sometimes necessary to preserve the barn. However, you may want to avoid moving it too far from its original historic location, if at all possible.

For example, certain barn styles are attached to certain places. When people would settle parts of America from other countries, the barn styles in those areas reflected the architecture of their homelands. Keeping a historic barn in its original region means that significance won’t be lost.

3. Storage Options

If you’re going to move a barn by taking it apart, you may need to store it for a time before it can be put up in its new location.

Be sure that you plan ahead so you don’t end up with timbers sitting out in the elements. It’s best to store barn parts with a bit of space in between them for air to flow, covered with a metal roof, and raised off of the ground.

Final Thoughts on Moving a Barn

If you plan your barn move ahead of time, you won’t run into hassles along the way. From material condition to history to distance, take into account these major factors before moving a barn, so it will be functional for years to come.

Of course, you’ll also need to have the right equipment on hand. Hevi-Haul products have been trusted by professionals for structural moves for years. So, you can count on us to have the right products to make your barn move go smoothly—check out our options here.

5 Famous Examples of Structural Relocation

We often look at inspiring architecture with awe, marveling at how a structure could have been built before the development of modern structural techniques. It’s all the more shocking to find out that a structural relocation took place, bringing the original building to a new location.

Famously, William Shakespeare and a group of friends helped to dismantle and rebuild the original Globe Theater on the other side of the Thames. Imagine if they had been able to move the building without removing a nail!

Below are five famous examples of structural relocation that managed to do just that.

1. The Gem Theater

The playing field for the Detroit Lions used to be the site for the Gem Theater. In 1999, the building was moved four city blocks downtown. The physically attached Century Club made the move more difficult. In order to accommodate the move, the Century Club was fitted with steel framing.

Both buildings were lifted simultaneously, and then placed on 70+ dollies that were each the size of a small sedan. With the wide range of skates and dollies available, relocation projects like this one have become more common than ever.

2. Captain Cook’s Cottage

Captain Cook’s 18th-century cottage was built by his parents in North Yorkshire in the United Kingdom. When a later owner decided to sell it in 1933, an Australian bought it and donated it.

The cottage was donated to Victoria, where Captain Cook first landed in Australia. It was dismantled brick-by-brick and shipped abroad. Even the original ivy from the English site was replanted along the walls of the new site.

3. John Rennie’s London Bridge

The London Bridge has been replaced every few hundred years. And, interestingly, one iteration of the bridge now resides in Arizona.

John Rennie’s bridge was built following an engineering contest held by the city. The Scottish engineer’s bridge was so strong and popular that its heavy use caused it to begin to sink into the Thames river. After the city put it up for sale, an Arizona oilman bid on it for 2.5 million dollars. He then brought it to Arizona in 1971.

4. Abu Simbel Temple

In 1960, a dam in Egypt demanded that a stone pyramid had to be relocated. Originally commissioned by Ramses II, the Abu Simbel Temple was designed with giant images of the pharaoh. It ended up becoming a tourist attraction for centuries.

For the move, each of the temple’s one thousand blocks was numbered and carefully dismantled. Blocks weighed an average of 30 tons each, making it one of the biggest structural relocation projects in history.

5. Fu Gang Building

This more recent Chinese structural relocation now holds the record for the largest building in history to move. The Fu Gang Building in the Guangxi Province was moved structurally intact, without being dismantled.

Although it only moved 120 feet, it took more than 10 days to move. The 33-million-pound relocation is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Make Your Own Structural Relocation History

While these types of moves are exceptional and mind-blowing, with the latest high-tech methods, they are easier than ever. If you’re struggling to plan your own relocation project, contact us with any questions. We have the perfect relocation solutions for everything from single-family homes to entire office parks.

What Do You Need for a House Relocation?

Do you love your home but wish it was in a different location? While some people build their dream homes, another alternative is a house relocation.

In the United States, millions of people relocate each year. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 37.5 million people, or 11.5% of the population, moved from 2013 to 2014. This was consistent with the roughly 12% of people who moved each year since 2008.

Many of those people could have taken their homes with them when they moved if they’d chosen to relocate their homes. Instead of moving to a new home, a house relocation means you bring your house with you. Read on to learn more about what you need when you relocate your house.

Pre-Planning

Arguably, the hardest part of moving your home is planning for it. This is because there are a lot of moving pieces that are part of the process.

If you have a mortgage on your home, you’ll need the approval of your bank or loan company in order to move it. But that’s not all. You’ll likely need inspectors to come to your home in order to determine your home’s structural integrity. They will ensure your home is fit to be uplifted and removed from its existing location.

There may also be the need for contractors to create a foundation where your home will be moved. This will also entail receiving permits from the local government to be sure you are doing it by the book.

You should focus on those tasks in addition to speaking directly with your home mover about the pending relocation.

Preparing for the Move

After the pre-planning phase, you will also be tasked with prep work with your home to ensure it is ready to be removed from its current location. This will include disconnecting all utilities, and it may require the assistance of professionals like an electrician or a plumber.

Since removing your home from its foundation requires excavating it, you will need to remove plants, trees, and other objects located close to your home. Often, this means going approximately 10 feet out from the walls of your house. Depending on the laws and regulations where you live, you may need to receive a permit to remove certain trees from your property.

The Move

Your house relocation will begin when the moving company inserts steel beams into openings they cut into the walls of your foundation. These are strategically placed in the foundation in order to help support the weight of your structure.

To stabilize your home during transportation, interlocking wooden posts are put together around your home. These help your home stay secure during transportation to a new place.

Your moving company will also use X, Y skates—these structural moving skates support the load of your home. On an X,Y skate, you can split up the X and Y axes to allow the skate to support double the standard weight compared to when it is combined.

Wrapping Up: Choosing a House Relocation

Relocating your home can be a great way to have the house you love in the place you want it to be.

At Hevi-Haul, our mission is to “create value with products that move the world.” We were established in 1938, and our X, Y skates and roller dollies have been used to help families and businesses relocate for many years.

Things to Consider for a Historic Building Structure Relocation

Sometimes it goes beyond “a little to the left.”

There are many famous cases of historical building relocation. Owners carry these out for a variety of reasons, from preservation to the expansion of a building nearby. What they all have in common is the sheer complexity of the process.

In this post, we’ll look at all the considerations that go into structure relocation.

Preparation

A lot of work goes into preparing structure relocation before anything happens onsite. For instance:

For starters, surveyors must assess the structural integrity of the building. If the building is in a poor state of repair or will suffer from being lifted off its foundations, this will be a barrier to the operation.
The owner of the building will also need to apply for various permits. Changes to a historic building might require approval. They’ll also need planning permission for the original site and its destination.
Transporting a building also has a major impact on local traffic. Communication with transport authorities is vital.

Equipment and Expertise

It’s not too surprising that moving an entire building from its foundation requires specialized equipment.

To prevent the building falling to pieces, a temporary steel structure is usually erected. This acts as a temporary foundation. Hydraulic jacks are then used to raise the structure from its foundation.

Wooden structures known as cribbing beams support the jacks and the structure from underneath. Once these are in place, workers load the structure onto dollies or a truck to move the building.

Obstacles

Houses weren’t exactly made to travel. They’re larger cargo than almost anything else traveling over land. That means there are few roads wide enough to carry houses without disrupting traffic.

Beyond roads, there are other things to consider. For instance:

There’s a good chance of trees getting in the way on any route.
Dramatic changes in terrain like steep hills or ravines can pose problems.
Bridges or railroads can also make moving from A to B a headache.

Before transporting the building, the owner will need to commission a survey of all the obstacles likely to impede the route. They’ll then need to factor this into the cost. Depending on the obstacles, it may turn out to be impossible to move the building.

Across or Down?

Not all structure relocation involves moving the building away from its current spot.

A common alternative is to temporarily raise the house so work can be carried out underneath. This work might be strengthening the foundations or creating additional basement-level space.

In some cases, particularly with historic buildings, this is a cheaper alternative to extending the building itself. Changes to the structure of the building might be prohibited or there may be concerns about keeping its historic character.

Structure Relocation: A Complex Problem

It’s clear to see that structural relocation is a complex problem with many considerations. Only skilled surveyors and haulers can ensure it goes off without a hitch. When it does happen, it’s one of the most impressive engineering feats around.

Want to know more? Be sure to follow our blog.

3 Essential Things Every Structural Mover Should Know About Route Planning

You’ve secured your load, now comes the hard part. The last thing you want to think about when moving an entire structure is an accident while you’re en route. Every factor must be considered, from utility hazards to vulnerable bridges.

It’s important to plan your route accordingly in order to anticipate every possible hurdle. This doesn’t end with simply mapping out the best roads to take. There are many other things to consider.

Let’s take a look at three important things every structural mover must know when route planning. Once you’ve considered these things, you’ll be ready to finish the job.

1. Getting the Proper Permits

Most of the time, there are a number of permits attached to structural moving jobs. Obtaining these permits before the move is essential in avoiding any legal issues.

Moving permits may need to be in place for the area the structure is being moved from, along with jurisdictions you’ll pass through during the move. These include permits for transport in a public right-of-way. Often these are required by utility companies, highway departments, or the local governments you’re passing through.

If your route includes passing through private property, look into any approvals required by the landowner.

Some of these permits take time to acquire, so speak to the owner of the structure to make sure this is in motion prior to the move.

2. Identify Potential Hazards

For a structural mover, a big part of planning routes is determining if the structure will be able to navigate the roads. You’ll need to identify any hazards and take the proper steps to clear your path so you don’t get stuck.

Go over your route and look for narrow roads that could present a problem. Check all bridge sizes and weight limits to make sure you can pass over safely. You also need to check all utility elements such as light poles and electric lines.

Other smaller elements that may go unnoticed but could cause big problems are road signs, traffic lights, and fire hydrants. Make sure you can clear all of these features before the move. Many utility companies will aid in your passage if you need it.

3. Are Route Modifications Necessary?

Structural movers have the vehicles and know-how to traverse most roads, fields, or pastures. However, sometimes modifications or excavation needs to happen to reinforce terrain. It’s important you locate these areas along the route prior to the move.

If the ground is too soft in areas, steel plates should go down. Build temporary bridges over small ditches or streams.
Make sure and look for steep grades or drop-offs that pose a threat. A ramp may also be required from the ground level to the foundation of the new location.
Be sure to look for any tree limbs or other foliage along the route. You’ll want to cut back or remove them as required.

As a Structural Mover, Your Route Matters

Covering all your bases when it comes to planning your route will save time and stress during big moves. It also protects you and those around you.

These tips are meant to highlight the obstacles that could pop up along the way and cause major headaches. Plan ahead for a smooth ride and make the trip as easy as possible.

Hevi-Haul Skates provides structural moving skates that make moving a large structure much easier. Contact us today to learn more.

4 Tips to Know Before Hiring Structural Movers

Are you looking for reliable structural movers but don’t know how to hire the right company? Moving an entire construction requires a high level of preparedness, quality equipment, and skilled workers.

There are two main ways to move a structure: Dismantling the structure and reassembling it on the new location, or relocating the entire structure as is. Both types are equally challenging, which is why you need a professional company to handle the process without damages.

Keep reading to discover the four most useful tips on finding a structural moving company you can trust.

1. Ask About the Movers’ Experience

Before you hire structural movers, make sure to do some research on their reputation. Go online and read reviews from previous customers or ask around.

Another option is to ask the movers directly about their experience with the kind of relocation you need. Some companies specialize in one type of relocation and may not be able to handle different or bigger projects.

If possible, ask them to see references or any recently finished projects in the area. This way, you can see firsthand how the job was done and whether you want to hire them.

2. Ask About the Moving Equipment They Use

No matter the type of structure, the equipment used for relocation must be of impeccable quality. It needs to support the entire weight of the structure throughout the lifting and moving process.

Ask the company what moving equipment they use. Check if it’s their own or rented and ask about the systems that hold the structure together. In some cases, the equipment for relocating a house may not be the same as for relocating a building.

3. Check the Company’s Insurance Coverage

Professional structural movers must have several insurance coverage policies. This is to cover any unexpected accidents, damages, or incidents during the move.

Typically, the company needs to have the following insurance coverage:

General liability, to cover damages or injuries resulting from contractor’s work
Riggers/Cargo liability, to cover damages resulting from lifting or moving
Umbrella coverage, as additional protection in case the other liability policies are used up
Worker’s Compensation
Automotive coverage

Never hire a structural moving company that doesn’t have the right insurance policies in place.

4. Check if the Company is a Member of an Official Association

When hiring a structural moving company, beware of the scammers and con artists. They’re excellent salesmen and unless you do detailed research, you may fall victim to their promises.

Always check if the company you’re considering is a member of a trade organization or official association. If necessary, call the state institutions responsible for licensing and ask about the company you’re interested in.

Also, see if the company has the appropriate licenses and permissions to perform the work and ask to see them, if needed.

Hiring Structural Movers is Easy With These Tips

You can have a stress-free, hassle-free structural move if you know how to hire the right company for it.

Did you like our tips? Visit our blog for more useful articles on structural moving, or contact us today to get a free quote!

How To Move A Building: Part 2

As we discussed in our last post, structural relocation efforts require safety, strength, and precise, predictable movement. Whether the building is moved because of historical significance, redevelopment, or environmental conditions, every structural move is difficult. Hevi-Haul’s structural mover skates are the best in the world, designed and engineered with a unique knowledge of what it takes to move a building, and built right here in the USA.

House And Building Mover Skates

Hevi-Haul’s house and building mover skates are the original structural relocation skate. Known by professional structural movers as X/Y skates, these skates allow movement in both the X and Y axis. This precise movement allows contractors a level of freedom in how they move the structure but also keeps the movement predictable and safe. Hevi-Haul house and building skates can also be split into two halves for single axis moving, which in turn doubles the standard load rating of the combined unit. Accept no substitutes and get the job right the first time, every time, with Hevi-Haul skates.

Beam Roller Skates

Buildings are built with a structure supported by long and heavy beams. While this adds strength and rigidity meant to support the building for generations, it also has the nice side effect of giving a building, once removed from its foundation, a long, smooth rolling surface. Since it’s absolutely critical that the building moves slowly in a single, straight line, Hevi-Haul offers our durable and rugged beam roller skates for any structural moving task. Beam roller skates make sliding and launching beams under structures a much easier task. With their high capacity and relatively light weight, these dollies can easily be raised overhead. Beam Roller Skates can be ordered with a removable guide roller system for multi-purpose usages, such as rolling smaller structures on beams.

All in all, Hevi-Haul has a proven history in structural moving. We pride ourselves on creating products that allow old buildings to be preserved and restored, and to save buildings that otherwise might be demolished. With Hevi-Haul structural mover skates, you can rest easy knowing that your building move project is supported by a team that is dedicated to the art and science of moving buildings.

Contact us today to learn more

Hevi-Haul Skates have been trusted by professional rigging companies and machinery movers for over 80 years as the premier family owned American brand machinery dolly. Contact us today for a personal answer to all your inquiries.

How To Move A Building: Part 1

Structural relocation is a complex and difficult business. There are many reasons why a structure needs to be moved, including historical significance, redevelopment, or even environmental danger at the present location. Regardless of the reasons, a structure can’t be moved without extreme precaution, diligent planning, and near-flawless execution. Hevi-Haul knows this, and we’ve been building the best structural mover skates in the world since 1938. But our knowledge goes beyond just building durable, efficient and effective skates – we build skates dedicated to moving structures smoothly and safely.

In October 2016, Hevi-Haul skates were used to move the beloved Bosch Tavern in Hales Corners, WI, in order to make way for a larger intersection. This move was turned into a charity event, with a large crowd of locals in attendance to show their support for the community and Bosch Tavern, and to get a chance to pull a rope to lend a hand to the move. The contractor working on this move needed a high level of safety to ensure that no one was in danger for the move. They needed the best equipment in the world, so there was no doubt that the structure would move smoothly, safely, and exactly as planned. Hevi-Haul skates were up to the task and helped the event go off without a hitch, successfully moving the building while raising substantial sums for charity.

Hevi-Haul structural mover skates help make the complex and intricate task of moving and turning an existing home or building off of its original foundation easier for the structural mover so it can be transported to its new location. The Bosch Tavern was a unique move, but it wasn’t the first move for rugged Hevi-Haul products. From the Hamilton Grange National Memorial, to erosion threatened homes on the eastern seaboard, professional house & building movers have relied on Hevi-Haul Skates for over 80 years to assist them in executing some of their most remarkable moves. We continue to be humbled by their trust in our American made products when there’s quite literally so much riding on it for the families that own these homes.

In our next post, we’ll learn a little more about the Hevi-Haul products that enable families and businesses to move a building when the situation demands it.

How and Where to Relocate Controversial Memorial Statues

How and Where to Relocate Controversial Memorial Statues