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October 11, 2004
OHNY: Pratt Institute Power Plant
Click here to view the photo gallery (22 images).
I had been looking forward to the annual Open House New York for weeks and it did not disappoint. This year the organization opened over 100 sites of architectural significance for the weekend, free of charge. I saw several sites on Saturday but the highlight was the Pratt Institute Power Plant in Brooklyn. The plant has been producing electricity for the Institute continuously since 1887 and is a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark.
The chief engineer himself, Conrad Milster, showed visitors around. Most impressive is the main floor where the generators sit. Amazingly, there were no restrictions during the tour and we were able to get very close to all of the equipment including the spinning generators. Milster next led us downstairs into the boiler room, a large space with oil stains on the floor and water condensing on the ceiling and dripping onto our heads. The boilers provide heat to the entire five block campus and hot water to the cafeteria.
After the official tour was over, we were allowed to walk around on our own. Workmen in grubby overalls answered some of the visitors' questions and even posed for photos; one guy held up a huge wrench and stood next to a generator while a photographer snapped pictures. My photos of the power plant are in the gallery.
Other photos from the weekend are over on my photoblog.
Posted on October 11, 2004 at 10:35 AM
Comments
NICE! I wished I could have made it out to Pratt, but your photos just bump it up higher on the list for next year.
Posted by: whatisee at October 12, 2004 11:05 PM
mark your calendars! 2005 openhousenewyork is october 8 & 9. 150 sites in 5 boroughs, some open to the public for the first time. all free. stay tuned to www.ohny.org for more information.
Posted by: matt greer at September 15, 2005 4:43 PM