At 762 tons, what is believed to be the heaviest residential structure moved in the United States began its one-block trek yesterday, and will be set onto its new location by the end of today.
The Harriet F. Rees House, a three-story, brick-and-limestone estate, is a cornerstone of the Prairie Avenue Historic District mansions. These houses were erected in 1888 by prominent Chicagoans such as George Pullman and Marshall Field. The house was made a boarding school in 1910, converted into a restaurant in 1970, and sold to its current private owners in 2001.
The structure, which is being transported intact, was cut from its foundation using masonry saws, then lifted and loaded onto 32 dollies to get it ready for its journey. Moving the house makes way for the new McCormick Place Entertainment District, which will feature a 10,000-seat event center and 1,200-room Marriott Marquis headquarter hotel.
Chicago contractor Bulley & Andrews is coordinating the house’s restoration, with Thornton Tomasetti serving as the project’s engineering firm. The move is being performed by Wolfe House and Building Movers.
View a time-lapsed recording of the move below.
[via WGN News]
