RAPID CITY - Despite the early hour, dozens of people turned out early Friday morning to watch the former Denny's building make its slow-motion parade from Mount Rushmore Road to its new home at Interstate 90 and La Crosse Street.

Geoff Hooper and his crew at Dakota Hills House Moving planned to start the move at 2 a.m., but they had to wait while utility crews finished moving stoplights and streets along the route - Mount Rushmore Road to Omaha Street, Omaha to La Crosse and up La Crosse to the new location.

By about 3 a.m., Denny's was ready to roll. In the first few feet, one of the tires on the 32-wheeled trailer exploded with a loud bang and a cloud of dust. But with 31 other tires still inflated, Hooper and his crew kept going.

Once the diner building reached the pavement, the pace picked up to a slow, smooth walk. In fact, several members of the Dakota Hills crew walked the entire length of the move.

The scene had a surreal look, with bright flashing lights, motorcycle officers, police cars, utility vehicles, confused motorists and a very large, very shiny art deco building nearly filling the street as it marched through downtown Rapid City.

At the wheel of the big truck was Dakota Hills' Charlie Hagen, who calmly maneuvered his massive trailer through the streets and around corners.

The Denny's building, which measures 55 feet wide, 90 feet long and 22 feet high, is being moved to the new location where it will become Arnold's, a '50s-style eatery similar to the diner in the "Happy Days" TV show.

David Bradsky, who bought the structure and hired Dakota Hills to move it, was among the camera-toting spectators across the street.

Cassandra Kistler and her daughter Trinity also turned out. Cassandra said her husband, Justin Kistler, works for Dakota Hills.

By sunup Friday, the building was parked in the Quality Inn parking lot not far from the foundation where it will be placed.

Contact Dan Daly at 394-8421 or at dan.daly@rapidcityjournal.com