Chuck Berry Statue Likely Won't Make Debut in Loop Until June

Installation of the Chuck Berry statue in the Loop has been pushed back until late Spring because of utility problems at the sculpture site. 

The statue, which itself is complete, was expected to be installed by April. However, Blueberry Hill owner, Joe Edwards, who spearheaded the commemorative statue project said the construction company working on the site is now looking at maybe June 10, for a completion date.

The statue will stand in a small park next to  on the north side of Delmar. Installation of the statue hinges on the completion of a bike trail that's under construction by Great Rivers Greenway. Severe winter weather slowed construction on the bike path.

"The Great Rivers Greenway contractor has run into some utilitiy issues, particularly with the sewer," said Edwards. "There was a sewer here that was underground but wasn't hooked up to anything, all these years. So they have to lay new pipes." 

Edwards said the Berry statue will be the last thing to go in at the park. He said crews don't want to have the statue up and still have heavy machines moving around. The statue could likely get dinged, he said.

"That will be the crowning moment when the crane lifts that statue on. It'll be a nice celebration time," Edwards said.

The 9-foot, 1,000-pound bronze sculpture depicts a young Chuck Berry, wearing a tuxedo, guitar in hand.