CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (June 6, 2011) – Just days before the 3rd anniversary of the Epic Flood in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library (NCSML) will make history in its journey to recovery. Wednesday, June 8, at 8 a.m., Patterson Structural Moving plans to start the move of the building. It will take two days to complete, however the entire process of setting the building onto the new foundation/parking garage will take several weeks.
“This is a pinnacle moment, not just for us, but for the entire city of Cedar Rapids.” said CEO/President Gail Naughton. “Three years ago, we all watched as flood waters devastated the city. This year, so many communities have been affected by terrible storms and flooding and today we can show them, and the world, that there is hope; you can recover from such catastrophic events.”
Plans have been finalized for the historic relocation of the flood damaged building currently located at 30 Sixteenth Ave. SW. Once the structure is secured and relocated, it will be elevated to its final height 11ft. above where it sits today and 3 ft. above the level of the 2008 flood. It will then be rolled on to the new foundation and finally set down and secured in place. This final step will take several weeks to complete.
“Live webcams on www.NCSML.org will allow viewing around the clock for the many people around the world interested in viewing all the activity. We are excited that this exceptional moment in the museum’s history is finally coming to fruition. The expansion and renovation of this museum and library is a major milestone in flood recovery and an historic event for the city and the state of Iowa,” said Naughton.
So people can get a better view of the move, the City has agreed to close down 16th Ave. between 1st Street SE and C Ave. SW including the Bridge of Lions. Czech Village and New Bohemia restaurants and shops are opening their doors for viewers.
The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is the leading United States institution preserving and interpreting Czech and Slovak history and culture. It inspires people from every background to connect with Czech and Slovak history and culture.
The Daily report on this can be read https://www.thedaily.sk/2011/01/27/top-news/national-czech-and-slovak-museum-building-to-be-moved-across-street/