A former hotel in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, that was about to be demolished, was saved and relocated using an unusual method: 700 bars of soap. The Elmwood hotel, a Victorian treasure, is now preserved, its relocation demonstrating innovative solutions to architectural challenges. The building, which was constructed in 1826 and later converted into the Victorian Elmwood Hotel, was scheduled for demolition in 2018. Galaxy Properties, a real estate company, swooped in and purchased the historic structure with plans to relocate it and connect it to a planned apartment building.
A time-lapse video captures Canada’s historic Elmwood hotel successfully
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1058801205163085
What was the challenge? The Elmwood is a 220-ton structure. S Rushton Construction, on the other hand, was up to the task. They posted a time-lapse video of the move on Facebook, highlighting the ingenuity involved.
Instead of using standard rollers, the crew decided to use one-of-a-kind solution bars made of ivory soap. The building glided smoothly and was pulled by two excavators and a tow truck, thanks to the soft soap bars.
Sheldon Rushton, the owner of the construction company, stated that the Elmwood was smoothly pulled 30 feet, attributing the ease to the softness of ivory soap. Another relocation is planned once the new foundation is completed, highlighting the meticulous efforts to preserve and reposition the historic building for the future.