Reinstallation of the Fighting Bearcat

Bringing a Campus Icon Back to Life With Stability + Integrity

Structural Systems Repair Group supported the reinstallation of the Fighting Bearcat statue on the University of Cincinnati’s Uptown campus, working alongside Messer Construction to bring a familiar symbol back to campus in a new location. 

After several years in storage during nearby construction activity, the bronze sculpture and surrounding granite elements were carefully reinstalled along Commons Way near Marian Spencer Hall. The return of the Bearcat restores a meaningful landmark for students, alumni, and visitors while contributing to the ongoing evolution of the campus landscape. 

Setting the Structure

The scope of work included reinstalling the bronze Fighting Bearcat sculpture, which weighs approximately 4,500 lbs, along with setting granite benches surrounding the statue and three granite slabs weighing approximately 9,500 lbs each that serve as the base. While the statue itself draws attention, the work behind it reflects the same practices SSRG applies on jobsites every day.

The installation required precise layout, controlled handling of heavy materials, and close coordination with the project team. Each granite element had to be properly aligned and seated to support both the structure and the finished appearance of the space. The statue placement demanded the same attention to sequencing, tolerances, and site conditions that SSRG brings to structural repairs, façade work, and specialty installations across the region.

Consistency Across Every Jobsite 

Projects like this highlight how SSRG approaches its work regardless of scale or setting. The expectations remain consistent across campuses, jobsites, historic settings, and active facilities. 

Understand the conditions. Plan the work. Coordinate with partners. Execute deliberately. 

Whether reinforcing concrete, stabilizing existing structures, or supporting a campus installation, SSRG brings the same focus on preparation, precision, and follow-through. The Fighting Bearcat reinstallation reflects that mindset in an environment where durability, accuracy, and quality matter. 

Completed alongside Messer Construction, the reinstalled Fighting Bearcat once again serves as a backdrop for daily campus life and milestone moments. For SSRG, it stands as another example of solid work that becomes part of the built environment and feels as though it was always meant to be there.