S. Harris & Co. was retained by the Paterson Municipal Utilities Authority to investigate and determine the condition of the structural members of the upper plaza of the former steam plant at Great Falls Park, located in Paterson, New Jersey.  The one-story reinforced concrete structure was originally the turbine room of the Great Falls Steam Power Plant.  It served in this capacity from 1914 until it was abandoned and razed to make room for the parking lot and look-out point.  In 1962, at the time of demolition, the lower level of the room was converted into a storage area.  The roof was modified in 1972 to create a concrete overlook space with a picnic area.  In 1987, the lower plaza was closed to the public and in April of 2006, the upper plaza of the steam plant was closed.

Based on our survey and assessment, we have concluded that the upper plaza of the former steam plant can be stabilized by installing a permanent shoring system to reinforce the structural members under the upper deck.  It is also highly recommended that the concrete observation deck at the upper plaza be removed and replaced at the time the structural improvements are made in order to prevent future moisture issues.  If at a future time the Authority should desire to provide occupancy to the lower plaza, our firm would be pleased to pursue the options of reinforcing the structural members that support the lower plaza at a later date.

--S. Harris & Co. Comprehensive Project List--