Rosemont’s bronzed Don makes delicate move across town
The larger-than-life bronze likeness of Rosemont’s Donald E. Stephens is now in place at its new home after movers completed a tedious relocation across town.
It took a crew of 10 workers from U.S. Machinery Movers about five hours Tuesday to move the eight-foot, 1,500-pound statue of the town’s founding mayor.
The sculpture made the two-mile journey down River Road — from the courtyard of the old village hall at 9501 W. Devon Ave., to its new home in the lobby of the new village hall at 9501 Technology Blvd.
Workers first sawed off the statue from atop a set of mosaic-tiled waterfall steps, where it’s been perched since its dedication on Father’s Day 2016. Then a crane lifted it airborne and around the parking lot to a flatbed truck, which made the drive south.
The water fountain was left behind — replaced by two marble tile steps as the base of the statue instead — so as to fit the massive figure inside the building.
A new stone structure wall was placed behind the statue, but has the same etched quotation of the iconic politician that was on the outdoor fountain: “The Village is a business and the voters are my boss. They’ve hired me to do what’s best for them and the future of Rosemont.”
Depicting a kneeling Stephens towering over roses, the village water tower and other local landmarks, the statue is at the entrance of what will become the Rosemont Museum & Innovation Center. The display is expected to include the former mayor’s vast collection of Hummel figurines and Rosemont memorabilia and mementos.
Though with less fanfare, village government offices are also making the move over to the renovated four-story, 121,000-square-foot office building, which is in the shadow of the Fashion Outlets of Chicago.
While most departments will be in place by June, the public safety department headquarters’ move may take a little more time. Other office users making the trip include current Mayor Brad Stephens’ Leyden Township Republican political organization and a set of law firms that do work for the village.
The new village board room, on the first floor near the statue, will host the first meeting of the mayor and trustees June 10.
Officials are courting developers and potential users for their current eight-story building on Devon across from Rivers Casino in Des Plaines.