Rediscovering the stone shed machinery bases
Stone shed machine bases
Image courtesy of Dave Riehle. Used with permission.
In 2012, the underground tunnel from the Capitol building to the State Office Building was widened. During construction the foundation for the stone cutting and polishing machinery was uncovered by construction workers working on the site. These photos from Dave Riehle show the size and composition of the foundation for this heavy machinery. In addition to the stone and concerete, iron rods that anchored the machinery was uncovered. The bases were later reburied when the new tunnel was completed.
This is a map showing the underground tunnel system on the State Capitol grounds. The red arrow indicated the location of the tunnel shown in the photographs.
Stone shed machine bases
Image courtesy of Dave Riehle. Used with permission.
Minnesota State Capitol, NW corner, stone shed and marble yard, April 30, 1898
Image courtesy of Thomas Blanck and Associates. Used with permission.
Stone shed machine bases
Image courtesy of Dave Riehle. Used with permission.
Close-up of stone shed machine bases
Image courtesy of Dave Riehle. Used with permission.