Power House exterior demolition
April 17, 2009
B&B Demolition at work
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Navy Yard at Noisette
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B&B Demolition at work
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Navy Yard at Noisette 
I’m not sure how I feel about them demolishing the surrounding structures around the Power House. They add an industrial appeal to them, and it makes for a great backdrop for that sort of photo. I took some photos of my cars around the back side of the power house, and without the rusted steel structures, the pictures would have been unappealing.
On the other hand, it will take much of the distraction away from the architecture of the building, which is quite attractive. I’m glad the entire building isn’t going to be torn down.
I’ll be very interested to see what the city makes of this building. I worked at the shipyard for about 15 years, and only went inside the powerhouse twice.
About 1980, I went there on a work-related matter and was astounded to see an immense, working Corliss steam engine-powered air compressor still there. It looked like a museum piece, with polished valve work, brass parts, and bright green painted castings. It had at least a 20 foot diameter flywheel, the hub of which was waist level at the floor. A large opening in the floor provided clearance for the bottom half of the flywheel. It was truly a beautiful piece of machinery.
About 10 years later, I visited the powerhouse as part of an “open house” at the shipyard. The Corliss steam engine was gone, no doubt converted to so many tons of scrap metal during an upgrade of the powerhouse. It’s a real tragedy that this amazing piece of industrial archeology wasn’t saved.
At any rate, I’m glad to see that the building that housed it will be around for a long time.
we always use air compressors in spray painting and also in blowing off those hardened dust on our home::’