In a feat of engineering, a historic landmark in Halifax, Canada - the Elmwood building - which has stood the test of time since its construction in 1826, has undergone a peculiar relocation process. The firm entrusted with this challenging task, S. Rushton Construction, employed an unconventional method, utilizing 700 bars of Ivory soap to smoothly move the 220-ton structure to a new location.
This approach not only saved the building from imminent demolition in 2018 but also added a unique chapter to its nearly 200-year history.
The Elmwood building, initially crafted as a residence in 1826 and later transformed into the Victorian Elmwood Hotel in 1896, faced the threat of demolition in 2018. However, Galaxy Properties, a real estate company, intervened, purchasing the property with the intention of relocating the historic structure to integrate it with an upcoming apartment complex.
In a time-lapse video shared on the company's Facebook page, Sheldon Rushton, the owner of S. Rushton Construction, revealed the meticulous process behind the relocation.
Two excavators and a tow truck, in tandem with Ivory soaps, replaced traditional rollers, allowing the building to glide across a steel frame.
Rushton emphasized the effectiveness of this innovative approach, stating, "The historic Elmwood hotel in South End Halifax made its first journey in almost 200 years, but not its last."
"The Ivory soap, combined with two large excavators and a heavy-duty wrecker, quietly and slowly pulled the 220-ton building to its desired location to allow room for a new foundation," declared a post on the company's Facebook page.
As the Elmwood building settles into its new location, the journey is far from over. Plans are in place to relocate the structure once again once its new foundation is ready.
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