The Museum Begins

After ten months of cutting out redundant beams and columns, removing structural support systems for boilers and steam turbines – including one so massive and ominous that it was referred to as ‘Moby Dick’ –  and demolishing the coal conveyor and ash collection systems, workers have begun to install the structural framework and floor systems to house Heritage Harbor, Rhode Island’s history museum. Anyone who visits the former South Street Electrical Power Plant today, who saw it after Narragansett Electric finished its dismantlement project, would hardly recognize the place. Gone are the dimly lit, cold and damp cavernous spaces. The acre and a half of interconnected buildings, with their roofs off now have great splashes of sunlight, bathing the six story interior and exterior brick bearing walls, with an ever changing continuous light show of red, orange, pink and peach shades.  New concrete and steel columns arise, and the Museum’s second floor level that will feature three changing exhibit galleries for Smithsonian treasures and other “blockbuster” exhibits is in place. The great soaring entry Lobby/ Rhode Island Showcase is beginning to acquire its final dimensions.
 
Soon, a deck that once supported several generators will be in-filled with concrete to become a lobby mezzanine for temporary exhibits and ‘free zone’ activities. The concrete block shafts that will house the Museum’s loading dock and freight elevator, passenger elevators and stair towers are clearly evident. The great 50 ton overhead crane has taken up its permanent residence far overhead in the Lobby. Similarly, before major building openings are sealed up, the Corliss Steam Engine that once powered the Polsey Box Company in Pawtucket will be installed in its place of honor.

To download the Spring 2009 Heritage Voyage newsletter, click here.