Existing comment:
Restoring Vulcan Park
By 1999, it was apparent that Vulcan would have to be restored. Both the statue and the park had fallen into disrepair over the years. Additionally, Vulcan Park lost much of its original character when, in the late 1960s, the tower and park landscape were modernized. As part of the revitalization of Vulcan Park, completed in 2004, the statue and tower were restored to their intended condition. A new visitor center was added to provide a place to learn about Vulcan and Birmingham's history.
Over time, exposure to the elements and expansion of Vulcan's internal concrete anchor severely damaged the statue. Now, repaired and reinforced with an interior steel frame built by Robinson Iron Corporation, Vulcan can stand indefinitely.
Concrete poured inside Vulcan in the 1930s expanded and caused cracks. Eventually, iron strips were used to bandage the most severe cracks, as seen in this photograph of the statue's torso, taken after engineers removed Vulcan from his pedestal. Photo by BillyBrown.com
As part of Vulcan Park's late 1960s modernization, geometric structures and extensive paving replaced the park's 1930s-era blend of formal balance and rustic charm. Courtesy of Alabama Department of Archives and History
In the late 1960s, marble panels were attached to the outside of the tower. An enclosed observation deck and exterior elevator were also added. Courtesy of Birmingham Library Catalog #43.76
To restore the park's historic character, the marble was removed, the base rebuilt, and the park landscape rehabilitated. (c) Vulcan Park Foundation, Photographer: Rob Lagerstrom, Streamline Studios |