McDonogh No. 11 - Relocation Update

Here's what I know.

Recently, the bids were opened in response to the RFP issued by the state for relocation of the McDonogh No. 11 School out of the LSU (UMC) Footprint.  Only two companies bid on the project.

One company, Patterson Shoring, bid approximately $1.4 million.  The other company, Orleans Shoring, the winning bidder, bid approximately $300,000.

You may recall Orleans Shoring as one of the key contractors involved in the VA house moving effort (and the possible UMC house moving effort as well).

The chasm between the bid amounts seems a bit stunning, as does the low number of bids.

In the end, my chief concern is for the continued integrity of the structure as the move proceeds.  Patterson appears to have significant experience with moving large, masonry structures.  Orleans was involved in the successful moving of the S.W. Green Mansion, but that's about the only somewhat analogous example I can find.

Echoes in the Past: June 5, 1935 - Big Buildings Can Be Moved

I can't tell you how many people have told me they don't believe that McDonogh No. 11 School can be moved.  I tell them that it most certainly can.

And looking back, as a good, anonymous friend of the blog did, reveals a perfect example in timeline of the Charity Hospital complex itself.  Here's the story from June 5 of 1935, before Big Charity itself was even constructed: