Jamestown (CSi)  The World’s Largest Buffalo statue in Jamestown is undergoing a new paint job.

  • Priming World's Largest Buffalo for new coat of paint CSI photos Priming World's Largest Buffalo for new coat of paint CSI photos
  • Priming World's Largest Buffalo for new coat of paint CSI photos Priming World's Largest Buffalo for new coat of paint CSI photos
  • Priming World's Largest Buffalo for new coat of paint CSI photos Priming World's Largest Buffalo for new coat of paint CSI photos
  • Priming World's Largest Buffalo for new coat of paint CSI photos Priming World's Largest Buffalo for new coat of paint CSI photos
  • Priming World's Largest Buffalo for new coat of paint CSI photos Priming World's Largest Buffalo for new coat of paint CSI photos
  • Priming World's Largest Buffalo for new coat of paint CSI photos Priming World's Largest Buffalo for new coat of paint CSI photos
  • Priming World's Largest Buffalo for new coat of paint CSI photos Priming World's Largest Buffalo for new coat of paint CSI photos
  • Priming World's Largest Buffalo for new coat of paint CSI photos Priming World's Largest Buffalo for new coat of paint CSI photos
  • Priming World's Largest Buffalo for new coat of paint CSI photos Priming World's Largest Buffalo for new coat of paint CSI photos
  • Priming World's Largest Buffalo for new coat of paint CSI photos Priming World's Largest Buffalo for new coat of paint CSI photos
     

In addition to painting, the work will entail cleaning, repairing of cracks and a seal coat at the top.

Approved by the Jamestown Tourism Board of Directors the price tag is estimated at $8,500.

The Jamestown City Council approved permission to re-paint the buffalo, and to disburse $8,500 from the  Jamestown Tourism Capital Improvement Fund to cover the cost.

It also approved the request from Jamestown Tourism to establish a “feed the buffalo” collection box on the site of the monument, and  to create a dedicated fund for future maintenance and repair of the Buffalo monument

The Tourism Board voted unanimously to let the bid to Denny & Son LLC, of Bismarck.

The last time the buffalo underwent extensive renovations was in 2007.

Some refurbishing, and improvements to lighting and landscaping at the Buffalo is also under consideration.

Weighing in at 60 tons, the World‘s Largest Buffalo is 26 feet tall, 46 feet long and cost nearly $8,500 to build in 1959.

Previously…

June 19-20, 2007, nearly 15 Save-A-Landmark program volunteers worked closely with the Buffalo‘s original artist and sculptor, Elmer P. Petersen, to refurbish this giant. Volunteers scaled ladders and balanced high on a mechanical lift to refresh and make cosmetic changes to the 26-foot-tall beast – donating an estimated 100 hours of man-power. The Buffalo‘s mane was enhanced, its horns were lengthened and its paint job was upgraded – incorporating shading techniques and giving texture to the Buffalo‘s furry coat.

As part of the restoration, Hampton  Hotels launched ―Save-A-Landmark,‖ a campaign dedicated to refurbishing historical, fun and cultural landmarks that reside along North America‘s highways.

It ontributed more than $16,000 to the Buffalo‘s ongoing care, ensuring that future generations of visitors will have the chance to stand in the shadow of this gigantic piece of Americana.