Iconic stork sculpture at Sharp Mary Birch Hospital removed for restoration

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The stork that sits atop the Sharp Mary Birch Hospital parking garage has been removed temporarily for restoration, the hospital confirmed.

You have probably seen the iconic sculpture while traveling north on State Route 163 just before it intersects with Interstate 805. It sits at the top of the parking garage overlooking new parents and moms-to-be coming in to the Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns.

The 18-foot-high stork was initially built for the 1960 Rose Parade, then donated to the Sharp Memorial Hospital. It was relocated to the new Sharp Mary Birch Hospital by crane in 1992 where it has continued to stand watch for decades, according to the hospital.

But now driving past the area, it is noticeably missing the stork sculpture. However, it isn’t gone forever. The hospital says the 64-year-old sculpture has been removed for much needed restoration.

The Sharp Engineering team is responsible for maintaining and preserving the stork. The hospital says they also change it seasonally in celebration of holidays and hospital anniversaries.

The hospital noted they don’t currently have a timeline for when the sculpture will be returned to its watchful post, but they are working to ensure it is as soon as possible.

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