At Thackray Crane Service, every project matters—but some truly hit home.

Recently, Thackray was honored to return to St. Cecilia Church in the Fox Chase neighborhood of Philadelphia to assist with a special and deeply meaningful job: moving the statue of Saint Cecilia, the church’s beloved patroness, back to her original place of prominence above the front entrance.

This wasn’t the first time Thackray Crane had been called in for this very statue. Years ago, the Thackray team helped relocate the figure from its high perch to a safer position along the side of the church, resting on a pillar. The move was part of necessary renovations and repairs to the front façade, and the hope was always to return Saint Cecilia to her original home when the time was right.

Now, with those renovations complete and the structure reinforced by a dedicated masonry team, the church reached out to Thackray once again—this time to bring Saint Cecilia home.

A Family Tradition Comes Full Circle

For most companies, this might be considered a routine lift. But for Thackray Crane, this project was deeply rooted in family, faith, and legacy. The Thackray family has been part of the St. Cecilia Parish community for generations.

In fact, Walter Thackray—the company’s founder—was part of the original construction crew that helped build St. Cecilia Church. His wife, Anna Thackray, was a lifelong member of the parish, known for her unwavering presence at daily Mass, always sitting in the front row. Over the years, countless family members were baptized, confirmed, and married in the church. It wasn’t just their parish—it was part of their family history.

The ties run even deeper within the Thackray team. One of the current crane operators attended St. Cecilia School. Another team member is named after founder Walter Thackray. Another was christened at the church. For many, it felt like coming back to where it all began.

A Careful Lift for a Cherished Figure

Repositioning a large, historic statue is no small task. The statue of Saint Cecilia may appear delicate, but moving her safely required strength, precision, and expertise. Using a 30-ton boom truck, Thackray’s NCCCO-certified crane operators and a certified rigger carefully rigged and lifted the statue, ensuring no stress or damage occurred during the delicate relocation process.

The biggest challenge was not just the weight or size of the statue—but honoring its historical and spiritual significance. Working in close coordination with Bradley Masonry, the team ensured the new anchoring was secure and built to last. Once Saint Cecilia was gently placed and installed, the team took a moment to step back and admire the view—a cherished figure back where she belonged, watching over the parish she’s protected for more than a century.

A Project With Perfect Timing

This wasn’t just about restoration. With St. Cecilia School preparing to celebrate its 100th anniversary this coming September, the church was eager to complete the project in time for the centennial celebrations. Bringing Saint Cecilia back to her original position ahead of this milestone felt symbolic—a way of honoring the past, celebrating the present, and looking toward the future.

For the Thackray team, it was more than a job—it was a privilege. To serve the church that served their family, to give back to the community that raised them, and to bring a cherished symbol of faith full circle—this was a moment of pride, joy, and reverence.

At Thackray Crane Service, we’re proud of the work we do every day—but we’re especially grateful when our work connects with our roots, our families, and our values. Helping return Saint Cecilia to her rightful home was a reminder of why we do what we do—and who we do it for.

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.

At Thackray Crane, we take great pride in recognizing the hardworking women who help shape the construction industry. Women in Construction (WIC) Week 2025 is an opportunity to highlight the dedication, skill, and resilience of women in our field. This year, we’re shining the spotlight on one of our own: Celeste Sanchez.

A Passion for Cranes from an Early Age

For Celeste, cranes aren’t just a career—they’re a lifelong passion. Growing up, she watched her father, Juan Sanchez, operate cranes, fascinated by the amazing precision and raw power of the machines. Inspired by his work, Celeste knew early on that she wanted to follow in his footsteps.

Building Her Career

Now a 4th-year apprentice, oiler, and operator at Thackray Crane, Celeste is proving that hard work and determination can break barriers. She has earned multiple certifications, including:

• CCO Small Hydraulic
• CCO Large Hydraulic
• CDL A License

These credentials showcase her expertise and commitment to mastering the craft.

A Leader in the Industry

At just 21, Celeste joined Local 542 Operating Engineers, taking an active role in supporting the industry. Beyond her work on the job site, she dedicates her time to the union, participating in parades, fundraisers, and initiatives like Mentoring Young Women in Construction (MYWIC)—helping to pave the way for future generations of women in the field.

Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Others

Celeste’s journey reflects the growing presence of women in construction and the vital role they play in shaping the industry’s future. Her story is an inspiration to anyone considering a career in the trades—proving that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible.

This Women in Construction Week, we celebrate Celeste and all the incredible women making an impact at Thackray Crane and beyond.

Interested in a Career in Construction?

Thackray Crane is always looking for skilled, dedicated individuals to join our team. If you’re inspired by Celeste’s story and want to explore opportunities in the industry, contact Thackray Crane today!
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At Thackray Crane, we take pride in tackling challenging projects that require precision, power, and expertise. Recently, our team was called upon to assist SAP America at their headquarters in Newtown Square, PA, with the removal and replacement of rooftop air handling units. This complex operation required careful planning and the use of heavy-lifting equipment to ensure a seamless execution.

To complete the job, we deployed two Liebherr LTM1400-7.1 cranes, each boasting an impressive 500-ton lifting capacity. These powerhouse machines provided the strength and stability needed to safely remove the aging air handling units and install the new models efficiently. Given the rooftop location and weight of the units, precise coordination was essential to avoid any disruptions to SAP’s operations.

In addition to crane services, Thackray also supplied trucking and transport services to haul the new units in and the old units out, ensuring a streamlined process from start to finish. Our ability to manage both lifting and transportation made the operation even more efficient, reducing downtime and logistical challenges for SAP America.

Our experienced team worked diligently to orchestrate each lift with precision, ensuring the project stayed on schedule and met the highest safety standards. From detailed site planning to expert rigging and lifting, every aspect of the operation was meticulously executed to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency.

Projects like this highlight Thackray Crane’s commitment to providing top-tier crane solutions for even the most demanding jobs. Whether lifting HVAC units, structural steel, or heavy machinery, we have the equipment, expertise, and dedication to get the job done right.

Need a trusted partner for your next heavy lift? Contact Thackray Crane today and let’s get to work!