Ritz-Carlton’s heron statue now nestled outside nearby firehouse

A statue of two blue herons that was a fixture for years at the Ritz-Carlton has found a new home nearby.

The bronze birds now can be found next to the Chicago Fire Department’s Engine Co. 98 — a block south of the hotel.

The heron statue had been in the hotel lobby since it opened in 1975, but was removed during renovations.

James McHugh Construction Co., the firm doing the rehab, donated their services to move the statue. But getting it to its new home without damage was no easy task.

The statue “was actually built as part of the fountain in the Ritz,” explained Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd), who spoke at Tuesday’s dedication.

“To get it off of there, and to get it over here, and build that pedestal without damaging it turned out to be a very complicated construction project,” Hopkins said.

“The community decided to step up and do this as a gift to the firemen.”

Ritz-Carlton general manager Peter Simoncelli, along with the Streeterville Association of Active Residents and the Park Advisory Council, reached out to Hopkins about moving the statue. Simoncelli said a home near the hotel would be most fitting.

“Everybody’s excited here,” said CFD Capt. Scott Shawaluk of Engine Co. 98.

“This shows the strong bond between the community and the fire department.”

Annie Geng/Sun-Times