The demolition saga of the Cheswick power plant boiler house in Springdale took an unexpected turn this past Sunday. Despite efforts to completely raze the building, only about 70% of the structure came down as planned, as reported by WPXI. Engineers, after assessing the building, concluded that a problem with the cables caused the incomplete demolition that morning.
The neighborhood was advised to shelter in place during the demolition. Unfortunately, a sizable cloud of black dust was still released when the building partially fell. The remaining structure is now expected to be taken down on March 8, weather permitting. Close to two years have passed since the implosion of two smokestacks at the same site, which neighbors claim caused damage and left a dust covering, according to WPXI. The safety of the area has been a continual concern.
As per the account by CBS News Pittsburgh, the demolition crew will spend the next week preparing for the remaining task, with plans to clear out debris to ensure a safer fall for the last standing portion of the former energy monolith. Notable road closures and detours, like those on Pittsburgh Street, had been implemented during the demolition attempt, and the closure of the lower part of Porter Street is expected to continue until the project's completion.
The community has reacted with a mix of disappointment and continued hope, with Springdale resident Gene Martin expressing the sentiment that "It'll be really nice to look out the window and not see that eyesore of a building anymore," while Scott Reschly, president of Shara Environmental Redevelopment Group, conveyed an apology for the inconvenience caused by the disrupted demolition schedule, residents affected by the lingering presence of the structure will be temporarily housed in hotels until the scheduled completion next Saturday, also according to CBS News Pittsburgh.
