Mayo Brothers Statue Headed for Storage
Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - Construction crews removed the statue of William and Charles Mayo from the entrance to the Mayo Civic Center this morning as work on the expansion and renovation of the complex in downtown Rochester proceeds.
The statue, which depicts the famous Mayo brothers standing next to each other wearing surgical gowns, was placed at the entrance to the Civic Center after the completion of the arena portion of the facility in the late 1980's. Prior to that, it had been the centerpiece of an amphitheater built in 1949 that still stands in Mayo Park behind the Civic Center Arena.
The removal of the statue uncovered a time capsule that was apparently installed with the statue almost 25 years ago. It's unclear when it might be opened.
At this point, city officials have yet to decide on where to place the statue once the $84-million dollar expansion and renovation project is completed. There has been talk about displaying it inside the main entrance to the Civic Center, but there are also vocal proponents for returning the statue to its original home in the amphitheater, including Mayor Ardell Brede.
During a recent appearance on KROC-AM with Andy Brownell during the Rochester Today show, the Mayor noted that there have been concerns expressed about damage caused by continued exposure to the elements, but he recently received assurances that a coating can be applied to the historic artwork to preserve it for future generations of Rochesterites to enjoy.
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