Press Release

Cupola raising -- update

February 12, 2009

COLDWATER, MI—

As previously announced, Tibbits Opera House’s cupola raising and installation is scheduled weather permitting for Friday, 02/13/2009, at 14 S. Hanchett Street. The street will be closed to accommodate the work.

It is expected that the cupola will be raised around 12:00 noon, but the exact time depends on how quickly set-up happens. The actual raising of the cupola should take only about 15-20 minutes.

Due to unseasonable warm weather the State of Michigan has imposed weight restrictions for commercial truck traffic on state roadways. Frost laws protect roadways from frost/thaw cycles. The “180-ton” crane originally scheduled to be brought in for the Tibbits work exceeds the weight restrictions.

Foulke Construction decided today to bring in a smaller crane and complete the cupola raising in three segments. Instead of putting all the parts of the cupola together and doing one lift, first the steel beams will be placed on the roof, then the steel frame, then finally the cupola. It is possible that the smaller crane will not be able to lift the cupola, estimated to weigh 23,000 pounds. If there is any risk as they begin, the lift will be halted until the large crane can be brought in. By using the small crane the structural work can still be completed.