Restoring a Hurricane-Hit Belfry Tower

The 1911 Historic City Hall in Lake Charles, LA is a public art and history gallery owned and operated by the city of Lake Charles. The Renaissance-styled structure includes arched windows, a red tiled roof, and an iconic Belfry Tower, complete with a clock and bell.

Hurricane Laura blew through Lake Charles damaging the Belfry Tower. The city engaged Deep South to remove and replace the entire belfry, a structure weighing about 7,500 pounds.

The main challenge for the crew was the requirement to remove the old bell tower roof and then place the repaired structure without touching any other part of the historic structure.

Three-Bar Pick

Deep South’s engineers developed a comprehensive rigging solution. The plan included the custom fabrication of a three-bar lift with drifting I-beams that provide optimal lifting points for the safe lifting and lowering of the large roof structure.

The team used its highly maneuverable 190-ton Liebherr LTM 1160-5.1 hydraulic all-terrain crane with its 203’ maximum main boom and swing-away jib to remove the Belfry Tower, setting it on the ground in a designated spot near City Hall for repair.

Bell Reset

Once the belfry repair was completed, the Deep South team once again looked to a customized rigging solution and a 120-ton Liebherr LTM1100-4.2 hydraulic all-terrain crane to set the new Belfry Tower on the City Hall roof. The new structure now functions as the backbone for the roof as well as the decorative wood columns, handrails, and framing of the tower.

• Equipment Used

  • Liebherr LTM 1100-4.1/4.2

• Services Used

  • Heavy Lift
  • Rigging Services