Gemini Giant Leaves Launching Pad, New Wilmington Spot Revealed
JOLIET, IL — Wednesday marked one of the biggest milestones in the history of the Joliet Area Historical Museum. Executive Director Greg Peerbolte informed Joliet Patch’s editor that the museum has acquired the Gemini Giant.
Peerbolte told Joliet Patch’s editor that the museum learned on Wednesday that it won the auction for the Gemini Giant, with a winning bid of $275,000. The museum is using state grant funds that it has received to make the purchase and preserve the Gemini Giant for generations to come.
“The state grant funds were for this purpose,” Peerbolte said.
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The Gemini Giant was in the process of being moved on Wednesday to a temporary, secure location. The museum has hired a contractor to haul the Gemini Giant away from the edge of the Launching Pad restaurant property, and that work was being done on Wednesday.
Watch video of the Gemini Giant on the move:
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“The mover specializes in muffler men and has moved more than a dozen across the country. It is staying in Wilmington on Route 66,” Peerbolte announced. “Truly keeping it on Route 66 is important.”
Peerbolte said the museum is working with city of Wilmington officials to determine the future permanent site for the Gemini Giant. For now, the museum does not plan on purchasing the Launching Pad restaurant, which has been closed since the summer of 2022.
“At this time, there have not been any inquiries or opportunities to purchase the (Launching Pad) property,” Peerbolte said.
State Representative Anthony DeLuca also issued a press statement on Wednesday, declaring, “I’m happy to have helped secure grant funding to ensure the Gemini Giant remains in Wilmington where it belongs and where local residents can continue to enjoy it,” he said. “This landmark is a part of our area’s history, and I appreciate the work from local leaders and residents who understood the value of keeping this treasure here in town.”
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Wilmington Mayor Ben Deitz issued a statement on Wednesday revealing where the Gemini Giant will be moving.
“Earlier this year, the City Council approved plans to re-imagine the entrance to our South Island Park,” Deitz explained. “The park not only sits directly along Route 66 but is also adjacent to our historic downtown and along the Kankakee River National Water Trail. Initially, the plans included placement of a Route 66 monument, a walking trail and a new dedicated parking lot.
“With today’s news, the city is happy to announce that the Gemini Giant will also be on display right alongside the Route 66 monument. This will ensure the Gemini Giant will remain in a secure location that is fully accessible to residents and travelers alike … Having the Route 66 monument right alongside the Gemini Giant will be sure to be a must-have photo op. It is the city’s hope to have the park, with its new iconic resident, ready to meet visitors in late spring this year.”
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