Thackray Crane recently completed another significant milestone in the ongoing restoration at Our Mother of Consolation School, located on East Chestnut Hill Avenue in Philadelphia, PA.

This project marked the third phase of a larger initiative aimed at preserving the school’s architectural heritage. For this specific phase, Thackray Crane was entrusted with the delicate task of setting the cupola and cross atop the school building—an operation requiring careful planning, precision, and expert execution.

Equipment & Planning

To execute this lift with maximum efficiency and safety, Thackray Crane utilized the 75-ton Tadano ATF 70G-4, a powerful and versatile all-terrain crane. The machine’s reach and load capacity made it the ideal choice for lifting and positioning these vital architectural elements with the utmost care.

Prior to the lift, a comprehensive pre-job walk was conducted to determine the best crane setup location and ensure that all safety measures were in place. Proper site assessment is a crucial step in projects of this scale, as it ensures structural stability, efficiency, and the safety of both workers and the surrounding area.

Execution of the Lift

Once the setup was confirmed, the next phase involved the delivery of hundredweights—used to balance and stabilize the crane during the lift—and a man-basket, which allowed crew members to work at height safely and securely. The precision lift required steady coordination between the crane operator and the on-site team to successfully hoist and place the cupola and cross onto the school building.

Expert Crew

Handling such an intricate lift demands experience, skill, and teamwork. Thackray Crane’s highly trained crew, led by Operator Walt Quinn and Oiler Celeste Sanchez, played a key role in ensuring a smooth and successful operation. Their expertise in managing complex lifts, combined with their attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols, helped make this project a resounding success.

A Symbol of Preservation

With the cupola and cross now securely in place, Our Mother of Consolation School continues to stand as a beacon of faith and education in the community. Thackray Crane is proud to contribute to projects that not only require technical expertise but also serve to preserve history and architectural beauty.

From small-scale lifts to major structural installations, Thackray Crane delivers excellence with every project. If you require professional crane solutions, trust Thackray Crane for safe, efficient, and expertly executed lifting services.

Thackray Crane recently completed a major upgrade for the Residence Inn by Marriott, located at East Penn Square in the heart of Center City Philadelphia. The project required the removal and replacement of three large rooftop HVAC chillers—an essential upgrade to help the hotel maintain optimal comfort for its guests year-round.

Given the complexity of the the lift, Thackray Crane deployed one of its Liebherr LTM 1400-7.1 all terrain cranes, a 500-ton powerhouse built to handle heavy and intricate lifts in challenging locations. The crane’s flexibility and capacity were critical to safely navigating tight city streets and maneuvering the equipment into position more than a dozen stories above busy sidewalks and traffic.

A Full-Service Approach

As a true turnkey provider, Thackray Crane went far beyond simply providing crane services. From the earliest planning stages through to project completion, the Thackray team handled every aspect of the operation.

Before the lift, Thackray performed an in-depth site assessment, identifying unique challenges posed by the downtown location and rooftop access. Leveraging their deep expertise in urban lifting projects, the team developed a detailed lift plan to ensure maximum safety and efficiency.

To further streamline the project, Thackray provided secure warehouse storage for the three new chillers, holding the units until the installation date. This not only helped reduce clutter and congestion at the job site but also provided an added layer of logistical control to keep the project moving smoothly.

Safety, Logistics, and Coordination

Operating in a dense area like East Penn Square requires meticulous coordination. Thackray took the lead in managing all necessary safety and traffic control measures, securing police protection, and arranging for full street closures and detours. These efforts minimized disruption to the public and surrounding businesses while creating a safe work zone for crews and equipment.

End-to-End Transportation Services

In addition to the lifting operation itself, Thackray Crane provided full transport services for both the outgoing and incoming chillers. Thackray’s in-house trucking fleet hauled the used chillers from the site for removal and transported the new chillers directly from the company’s warehouse to the job site—eliminating the need for third-party carriers and giving the client a single point of contact for the entire project. 

The Thackray Team Advantage

A project of this scale and complexity demands a seasoned and highly coordinated team. Thackray Crane’s experienced crew of CCO-certified crane operators, oilers, truck drivers, and logistics professionals worked seamlessly to ensure the lift was executed safely, efficiently, and on schedule.

By combining heavy lifting expertise with warehousing, transport, and Thackray’s experienced project management, Thackray Crane once again demonstrated its ability to deliver total lifting solutions in even the most demanding environments.

At Thackray Crane, we take pride in serving as a trusted partner for complex projects in Philadelphia and beyond—providing the people, equipment, and expertise to get the job done right.