Tuesday, December 2, 2025 – REMOVING THE STEAM PLANT IS A DANGEROUS AND COMPLICATED JOB

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STEAM PLANT

DEMOLITION

BEGINNING

ROOSEVELTISLANDER BLOGSPOT
JUDITH BERDY

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2025

ISSUE #1584

UPDATE:

THERE WILL BE A RIOC MEETING TOMORROW TO DISCUSS THE PROCESS TO DO THIS PROJECT.

The work is beginning to demolish the steam plant.  Not used since 2013, the original building opened in 1939 and an addition added in 1954.  The plant provided steam to Goldwater Hospital, isalnd insttuions and all the up the east side to Coler Hospital.

The steam plant is in a complicated location and any demolition will be a massive exercise. Some of the compkications include:
A building contaminated with asbestos, fuels, lead.
Tunnels leading to the east side tunnel along the river
Two smokestacks that are in dangerous locations, including one by the Tram Station
Being located directly adjoining the Tram Station and under the Queensboro Bridge
Being located adjacent to a subway tunnel N&R lines)
A large area containing underground fuel storage to the south of the building.
Being located on the only southbound access street to the south end.

The original building designed by Starrett & Van Vleck Architects

A smokestack next to the Tram

I visited the interior of the plant in 2012-2014 while it was still staffed by Goldwater engineers.

The building was used for movie shoots and then closed down due to asbestos concerns.

Whatever actions are taken, this will be a massive project due to the buildings location, condtion and all the structures and roads that it is surrounded by,
A Special Job

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JUDITH BERDY
ROOSEVELTISLANDER.BLOGSPOT.COM

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