Renovations coming to the Pony Express statue

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- A well-known St. Joseph staple will see renovations in about one week.

Construction began on the beloved Pony Express statue in 1938, with the statue opening to the public in the 1940s.

But with outdoor monuments comes the need for upkeep due to weather wear and tear.

"We were explained to, by the experts, that the milling process that they used to get them (the statues) were so much more aggressive than what we do today, when they're doing the polishing and the engraving and weathering and stuff ..." said Jeff Atkins, the city's parks and recreation director. "The process, 'cause it was so aggressive, caused micro-cracking throughout the surface of the granite."

Now, the 45-ton granite slab holding the bronze Pony Express statue will be taken down on Monday, April 14 and will be replaced with a 23-ton granite slab on Tuesday, April 15.

Atkins said the city wants to retain the piece, as it means a lot to not only residents but also tourists.

"The Europeans are just totally enthused about our Pony Express story and they'll come here just for that," Atkins said. "It just makes me feel good to be a part of getting fixed."

Atkins said the project will cost about $360,000, which will come from American Rescue Plan Act funds.

The westbound lane of Francis Street will be closed down during the duration of the construction period, as it will allow for equipment access and staging.