Today is moving day in downtown Westport.
The Kemper-Gunn House is being relocated across Elm Street, from its perch on the corner of Church Lane to the Baldwin parking lot.
Curious Westporters gathered at dawn to watch the landscape-changing event. JP Vellotti was there too, snapping special photos for “06880.”
Here’s his 1st set. More will follow, when the dust — and the house — settle into their new “home,” later this morning.
The house has been lifted off its foundation. After 125 years, it’s ready to be relocated.
The media was there. TV crews quickly learned how to park their large vehicles in Westport.
A small tree is suddenly discovered to be in the way.
Planning & Zoning chair Chip Stephens, 1st selectman Jim Marpe, 2nd selectman Avi Kaner, developer David Waldman and an associate pause for a photo.
Java had free coffee, courtesy of the Chamber of Commerce. Villa del Sol jumped on the bandwagon, offering free margaritas. But not until lunch!
Kemper-Gunn is not the only change coming to Church Lane. The old Westport Y Weeks Pavilion will soon be demolished.
This is the slowest crossing of Elm Street ever. (All photos/JP Vellotti)
Dan, maybe you’d like to review the move of the Saugatuck Congregational Church building in the 50’s. “Life” or “Look” magazine published photos of the move – a much more complicated one, I’d guess, than the Kemper-Gunn House move
I did already! Here’s the story from January 2013: https://06880danwoog.com/2013/01/16/moving-stories/
Your parking caption really gave me a laugh, Dan. Nice pictures, story.
All credit to JP Vellotti. It was his line.
It was COLD there!!
That is why I stayed in bed! Viewing event online.
Thanks for posting the pictures, Dan. I enjoyed seeing them all the way across the country here in Arizona, where I might add, we do not need gloves, hats, jackets or coats! At least, not yet:)
The next ‘new’ doctors office in town. Just a prediction.