Urban Archaeology (No. 001)

Interborough Rapid Transit Company powerhouse and
Recreation Center 59 West

It's often been said that New York is a "playground" to its some 8 Million inhabitants. That's clearly evident in the many parks, fountains, and jungle-gyms that spatter the city.

But beneath this first layer of fun is another. A former life. A remembered past that has not yet been wiped clean, and for the adventurous among us, it's our responsibility to seek out these playgrounds of a by-gone era. To glimpse New York anew through an old lens. These relics stand all about us as part of an elusive and all too often ignored Urban Archaeology.

Most often these fascinating buildings, monuments, and passageways are found by accident. And so it was by accident just yesterday I happened upon both the former Interborough Rapid Transit Company powerhouse and the defunct Recreation Center 59 West.

Originally the Interborough Rapid Transit Company was a privatized organization in charge of underground transportation in the city. The lines were opened in 1904 powered by the significant hub station that still remains on 11th Avenue spanning an entire block from 58th street to 59th.

At the time, the coal and steam run powerhouse was considered a marvel. According to a Scientific American article dated October 29, 1904 the ultimate capacity of the facility reached a whopping 132,000 horse-power, and boasted six smoke stacks to do so (of which one original remains). The city was much pleased at the construction, thinking it more of a monument than a monstrosity as might have been possible in the early days of industrialization:

"The building is an ornament to the west side and enhances rather than diminishes the value of surrounding property. But for its stacks, it might suggest an art museum or public library rather than a power house." - New York Times 1904

The building no longer services the railways, but continues its tradition of power supply through utility giant Con Edison who uses the facility to supply steam to residents in the area. Alarmingly, (as of March 2009) the stunning relic is still not designated a New York City landmark.

I continued my journey. My dog pulled furiously at her leash while I attempted to secure photos. I find this keeps things interesting. It's like trying to take a picture of the shore from the deck of a boat in the middle of a storm. Fittingly, my dog's name is Schooner. Go figure. We live up to our names. Even dogs. (I refuse to visit my friends Rob and Tara and their dog Chomp.)

I thought my adventures were over for the day until Recreation Center 59 West came into view. A squat, shabby, gargoiled shack amidst newly constructed condominiums, reminiscent of the old stables next to the Police barracks in Central Park.

The building is part of the city's "network of recreational services". The cornerstone on the building reads 1912 and its exact use is unclear. The abutting building on 60th however (constructed in 1906), contained both a public bath and indoor swimming pool.

Present work is underway to rebuild the existing property with new electrical, plumbing, and improvements to the gym and cardio room, as well as reface the existing exterior on the 60th street side. Completion is slated for Spring 2011.

In picturing the site's original use, I couldn't help imagining men with handlebar mustaches and black "onesie" bathing-suits, possibly riding unicycles. Last part is absurd. You're welcome for the visual postcard.

Whomever the guest, the fact the city provides (and has provided) for its citizens so bountifully is a boon to our everyday life here. We have to actively choose to remove ourselves from the din, but a day trip isn't always possible. These memories remind us that respites exist even in the heart of a maelstrom, if we choose to see them and let them take us away.

Make room for an adventure in your day. Play. Add sepia tone, ragtime music, and stir your nostalgia vigorously.

INFO:
Interborough Rapid Transit Company powerhouse
58/59TH btw 11TH & 12TH Avenue

Recreation Center 59 West
59TH btw 10TH & 11TH Avenue
www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/recreationcenters/M063