In 1973, the murals had to be saved. For the first time.
Scenes depicting laborers at U.S. Playing Card, American Oak Leather, Crosley Broadcasting and others were installed in the Union Terminal train station concourse until then, the year before the building was demolished.
O’Rourke Wrecking is using a similar process to move them Saturday with Maxim Crane.
Packing the 20-by-20-foot piece starts with a thin layer, a gentle fabric that’s like a cheese cloth to cover its face. Then, some foam insulation. Next comes the plywood.
A steel frame is added after, using a structural steel that’s a bit heavier than what was used in 1973. That’s to prevent cracking.
The protective packing adds about 8 tons of weight to the already massive works.
Central Avenue between Fifth and Sixths streets will close Saturday to accommodate the two cranes required to move the pieces. The closure is from 6 a.m. until about 8 p.m. On-street parking will also be prohibited there.
Closures may continue Sunday at those times if the move is not complete.
The unveiling and final installation of the nine works are not expected until later this year.
Carol Motsinger, [email protected]
