A Historic Journey

In the world of construction and relocation, the movement of an entire house is an extraordinary event. This was the case when Emmert International, a renowned heavy transportation and rigging company, undertook the relocation of a home from 600 N.W. 10th Avenue in Canby to Molalla. Laney Fouse Lawrence, Planning Technician for the City of Canby, played a crucial role in coordinating this intricate operation, witnessing firsthand the remarkable logistics involved.

The house was situated on a large lot that became part of the North Woods Subdivision in Canby, where it stood for many years. The property around it was bought by Northwoods Investments/2KRMT. After negotiations, the company purchased the lot from the previous owner and sold the house to a buyer in Molalla, sparking the need for its relocation.

Founded by Terry Emmert, Emmert International started as a house and small building relocation company before evolving into a leader in engineered transport. With branches in Clackamas, Oregon; Rhome, Texas; and Danbury, Texas, the company specializes in mega-load relocations via road, marine and rail. Their portfolio includes iconic projects such as the transportation of Howard Hughes’ Spruce Goose airplane, the Hubble Space Telescope and the 3.2 million-pound Fairmount Hotel. The company’s commitment to precision and innovation made it the perfect choice for the Canby house relocation.

Relocating a house is no small feat. The process involves meticulous planning, coordination with multiple agencies and the overcoming of various logistical challenges. The Canby Planning Department played a vital role in this endeavor, securing approvals from city departments, including Police and Fire, Clackamas County Transportation and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).

The move was initially scheduled for late December 2023 or early January 2024. However, after moving the shop, illness among the team members delayed the relocation of the house. By the time they were ready, ODOT had resumed a construction project on Highway 99E, which runs through Canby. This required Emmert International to devise an alternate route, deviating from the original plan to use Highway 99E and Barlow Road.

The house relocation took place on June 25 and 27, 2024, along the new route through the neighborhood on NE 3rd Ave towards the Clackamas County Fairgrounds. The timing was crucial, as the Union Pacific Railroad runs through the town, with a daily Amtrak train passing through Canby at 9:30 am. To accommodate this, Emmert arranged to pause at the Fairgrounds parking lot until the train passed. After the train cleared, the final section of the house continued its journey.

Moving the house to its destination on Macksburg Road in Molalla took approximately three hours. Along the way, the team expertly navigated obstacles, cutting branches, removing and replacing road signs and even taking down and returning mailboxes. The entire operation was a testament to teamwork and precision.

For Laney Fouse Lawrence, observing and participating in the relocation of the Canby house was a fascinating experience. She described the move as a “well-rehearsed performance.” The entire process highlighted the intricate logistics and careful planning that go into such a move, showcasing Emmert International’s expertise and the dedication of everyone involved. The successful relocation of this house serves as a reminder of the incredible feats possible when engineering and coordination come together seamlessly.