The statue, also known as Miss Indiana, has stood at the spot for much of the past century. It was removed Saturday for repairs to its joints and connections at a city warehouse. A conservator plans to restore the statute by Nov. 4, in time for the 2011 Circle of Lights festivities and the 2012 Super Bowl, according to The Indianapolis Star.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance,” said Melissa McGlinchey, 22, of Indianapolis, who watched the removal with her 13-year-old brother. “We’ll probably never see it come down again in our lifetime.”
The sculpture’s deteriorating condition was discovered two years ago, said Rob Wynkoop, commissioner of the Indiana Department of Administration. The agency oversees most state construction and repair projects.
A crane on the west side of the monument will remain in place for several weeks while limestone repair work is completed.
The 284-foot-tall neoclassical monument was completed in 1901.
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Information from: The Indianapolis Star, http://www.indystar.com
Copyright 2011. Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
AP-WF-04-24-11 2320GMT
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