  Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 2013 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 4.229.24.56 |
I just saw a promo for the History Channel called "MEGA MOVES", and it will include the moving of the Gem/Century Theatres back in the late 1990's. It will be aired this Tuesday at 10PM. It will be interesting to see how large of a building can be moved. They also showed the theoretical moving of a skyscraper (computer simulation). I have always felt that some buildings in Detroit should be moved, so they can be better appreciated, or even saved.... (such as the Hurlburt Gate at Waterworks Park). | ||
Drdetroit Member Username: Drdetroit Post Number: 53 Registered: 04-2006 Posted From: 68.79.91.116 |
I agree. Greektown should move the wayne county youth home and invest in a real casino property from gratiot to monroe!!! | ||
Kathleen Member Username: Kathleen Post Number: 1276 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.14.122.57 |
The History Channel website shows that "Mega Movers: 900 Ton Building" featuring the Gem Theatre move airs on Saturday, April 22 at 11pm and again at Sunday, April 23 at 3am. http://www.historychannel.com/ thcsearch/thc_search.do | ||
Kilgore_south Member Username: Kilgore_south Post Number: 32 Registered: 05-2005 Posted From: 24.176.20.117 |
Thanks for the tip Gistok. Will DVR that for sure. Last time I was in John King Books on Fort I read something that said that whole building was moved. Originally it sat right on top of where the Lodge is now, but sometime in the '50's they slid it over a few hundred feet using giant wooden rollers. It was a glove factory back then and from what I read they kept the workers inside while it was moving, instructing them not to look out the windows. At least that's what I remember reading. Maybe this info is on the web some place; I'll take a look. | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 1399 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 141.213.173.94 |
Where do you think the Hurlburt Gate should be moved, Gistok? Or are you saying that it was moved to its current spot? | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 2014 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 4.229.72.152 |
Mackinaw, right now it is Detroit's fanciest fence ornament. I think it would be cool to put it on a base where the Belle Isle floral clock is at the island terminus of Belle Isle's MacArthur Bridge. The vista on the bridge going towards the island would be phenomenal! However, the bridge may not be able to support such a weight moving across it.... Another spot I thought would be cool would be in a landscaped flower garden setting in Tricentennial Park along with the Merill Fountain and the General Kusiousko on horseback Statue which is located on a grassy berm in a very unprominent Michigan & 3rd Ave. location. I could see a Louis XIV style French formal flower garden, since Detroit was founded under orders of the Sun King.... and it would seem appropriate with the "Tricentennial" name. | ||
Hornwrecker Member Username: Hornwrecker Post Number: 1073 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 63.41.8.232 |
Add to it all of the other architectural artifacts that mouldering away in Fort Wayne, to Gistok's last suggestion. | ||
Kathleen Member Username: Kathleen Post Number: 1282 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.14.122.57 |
I managed to tape the 3am Sunday airing. Watched it, only to find just a small mention of the Gem Theatre. Nonetheless, an interesting show. |
