Slow Slide Begins

   The last step of the monumental move of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library begins on Wednesday, July 27. Workers will begin the slow, yet intricate slide of the 1,740 ton building to place it on top of the new parking garage/foundation. This portion of the move will take four to six weeks to complete. "It's a slow, intricate process to move the structure into place because it must land within a fraction of an inch on the new foundation," said spokeswoman Diana Baculis. Calculations are made each time it is moved slightly so that the building will be in the correct location.
   Viewing stands will continue to be available to visitors and guests watching the slide. Work will continue non-stop, except in the case of lightning. Once the museum completes this last phase of the move, it will be 11 feet higher than it's previous location across "A" Street. It is anticipated that the expanded museum will open during the summer of 2012.