THE FIRE
On November 21, 2023, a devastating fire erupted at the historic Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe. Located on Long Island in New York State (USA), the Center is the last remaining laboratory of visionary inventor Nikola Tesla. More than 100 firefighters courageously fought the blaze, which caused serious damage to this one-of-a-kind treasure.
The facility is now being thoroughly assessed by engineers to determine the full extent of fire-related damage. According to Mark Thaler, the Center’s historical architect, “Despite the valiant efforts of the first responders, the laboratory is sadly, still at great risk.”
The historic laboratory complex has been in the early stages of an ambitious, $20-million restoration and redevelopment program that would transform the former working laboratory into a global innovation center, an educational facility, and a museum.
While the four walls of Tesla’s main laboratory remain standing, there was significant damage to the roof — original to the 1901 structure — as well as the chimney and cupola, which had been replaced in 2019.
NEXT STEPS
Despite the horrific fire, Wardenclyffe Laboratory remains standing, our mission and vision remain strong, and our will is undeterred. We are resilient, passionate, and determined to continue our work. As a nonprofit organization, we understood the responsibility of stewardship when we acquired the property. Although it presents challenges, we are committed to thorough and careful progress, prioritizing quality over speed.
Our primary focus is on restoring Wardenclyffe Lab. To complete the core and shell, described as the exterior preservation envelope, which includes the exterior doors, windows, roof, walls, and similar elements, we must first stabilize and clean the interior of the Wardenclyffe lab following the fire. This step will allow for restarting the demolition of the surrounding structures, thereby fully liberating the Wardenclyffe lab building and allowing us to proceed with the core and shell work. The stabilization and cleanup have required careful planning and engineering controls. We are currently working with our Demolition Contractor to finalize a change order for the stabilization and interior cleanup of Wardenclyffe. The work being done may not always be visible.
We have nearly completed all permitting, planning, and compliance, and expect to see progress begin the during the summer of 2024. Despite the fire, we must still adhere to regulatory requirements, including permits, environmental compliance, and historical oversight at state and federal levels. Since the fire, our team has been working extensively long hours, collaborating with our contractors, engineers, architects, government, and stakeholders to expedite the process. The downside is that legal fees, updating blueprints, and compliance are costly, and the numerous change orders require significant collaboration among our engineers, architects, and contractors to keep the project on track. We believe our foremost challenge lies not in construction, compliance, planning, or legal matters, but rather in securing the necessary funds to adhere to the timeline provided below, thereby preventing any construction delays.
What happened at Tesla Science Center on November 21, 2023?
Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe Laboratory experienced a serious fire on the night of November 21, 2023. The Laboratory is the last remaining laboratory of famed inventor Nikola Tesla.
Is the fire completely extinguished?
The fire rekindled twice from embers [into the following morning] and local fire departments were on-site to manage these situations. As of Wednesday November 22, in the afternoon, the fire was completely extinguished.
How many firefighters responded to the blaze?
Well over 100 firefighters from 17 different fire and ambulance departments responded to the fire.
Was there any ongoing construction or renovation work at the site when the fire occurred?
No, construction or renovation work had not yet commenced. The incident occurred before any such work had started.
What started the fire?
Fire investigators have excluded arson as a cause and have released their report, indicating that the fire originated in the Northwest area next to the original laboratory building. While the cause of the fire was undetermined, the use of flammable cutting equipment by the demolition contractor could not be ruled out.
Where are the smoke detectors located?
The site consists of about 110,000 sq. ft. or 10,200 sq meters of dilapidated buildings without water or power. These condemned buildings surrounding the Wardenclyffe laboratory presented a serious risk due to its condition, which is why we were in the process of demolishing them. Smoke detectors were not feasible in the area, but once demolition is complete and core and shell construction begins, we plan to install a smoke monitoring system once the laboratory has power.
Is the structural integrity of the building compromised?
Fortunately, the structural integrity of the building, dating back to 1901, withstood the fire.
What is being done to assess the damage caused by the fire?
After the fire at Wardenclyffe Lab, several assessments have been conducted:
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- A collaborative investigation by the Suffolk County Police Department, Brookhaven Town Fire Marshal, and the County’s Department of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services has concluded.
- A private investigation by TSCW in collaboration with our insurance companies has also been completed.
- A joint assessment by structural engineers, environmental engineers, and architects has provided a health and safety evaluation, crucial for updating the blueprints and filing for the core and shell permit. This report is now complete.
Following these assessments, TSCW has secured the necessary permits for the Core and Shell, which will allow for the restoration of the building’s exterior preservation envelope.
In terms of project advancement, TSCW has issued and closed two key Requests for Proposals (RFPs):
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- The first RFP for the Lab Stabilization and Cleanup has been awarded, and we are finalizing the pre-mobilization and compliance steps before commencement.
- The second RFP for the Core and Shell is aimed at restoration-based contractors; selection is ongoing amidst some changes in circumstances. Generally speaking, this was the more difficult RFP as we sought not only a qualified contractor, but someone who has the ability to restore as much of the fire–related damage as possible.
We plan to begin the Lab Interior Stabilization and Cleanup on or about June, followed by the demolition of surrounding buildings in July. Once these stages are completed, we will proceed with the Core and Shell work to restore the building’s exterior. These are target dates. The completion of this work will involve demolishing the surrounding buildings and restoring the exterior of Nikola Tesla’s Wardenclyffe Laboratory to its original design by Stanford White’s firm, McKim, Mead & White.
What will the cost be to rebuild?
We are currently uncertain about the total cost required to rebuild the laboratory. We are working with our historical architect, structural engineer, and contractors to gain a clearer understanding of the expenses involved.
When will rebuilding begin?
We plan to begin the Lab Interior Stabilization and Cleanup on or about June, followed by the demolition of surrounding buildings in July. Once these stages are completed, we will proceed with the Core and Shell work to restore the building’s exterior. These are target dates. The completion of this work will involve demolishing the surrounding buildings and restoring the exterior of Nikola Tesla’s Wardenclyffe Laboratory to its original design by Stanford White’s firm, McKim, Mead & White.
Is there any additional threat of fire or impact on the surrounding area/neighbors?
The fire was first reported at around 5 PM on November 21, 2023, and multiple fire departments responded. The fire reignited at approximately 2:30 AM and again at around 7 AM. There is no current fire-related threat, but as we remobilize, we will increase our monitoring and controls to ensure the ongoing safety of our employees, contractors, neighbors, and the community at large.
Can I visit the site now?
People’s health and safety are our top priorities. Ongoing testing by our environmental engineers has shown that all air samples are well below the allowable limit, meeting the clean air standard. Daily air monitoring during previous demolition activities also confirmed safety, and our environmental engineers will continue to monitor the site during future work. The demolition area is restricted to professionals, while areas outside this secured area are safe to access. Your safety is our priority.
Is the air around the lab okay to breathe?
Recent air quality tests conducted on May 4, 2024, by our Environmental Engineers showed that all air samples were well below the allowable limit, meeting the clean air standard. Daily air monitoring during previous demolition activities also confirmed safety, and our Environmental Engineers will continue to monitor the site during future work. The demolition area is restricted to professionals, while areas outside this secured area are safe to access. Safety is our priority. If you have any questions, please contact us at: info@teslasciencecenter.org.
Is there a concern about asbestos being released with the fire?
No, testing confirms that air samples pass the clean air standard for asbestos.
What can the community do to help?
We greatly appreciate the outpouring of support from both the local and global community. Your continued support is of primary great importance as we proceed with cleanup, rehabilitation, and renovations. There are various ways to donate through our online platforms.
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- You can contribute directly at teslasciencecenter.org/give
- Leave a legacy at Tesla Science Center through our “Bricks for Nik” campaign at donate.brickmarkers.com/tsc
- Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about the latest plans and ticket opportunities at https://teslasciencecenter.form.veevartapp.com/form/view/home/subscribe-to-newsletter
How can I stay updated on the situation and progress?
Stay informed by signing up for email updates on Tesla Science Center’s homepage at teslasciencecenter.org. You can also follow us on social media for regular updates:
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- Facebook: facebook.com/teslasciencecenter
- Instagram: instagram.com/teslasciencecenterwardenclyffe
- X: twitter.com/teslascience
- YouTube: @teslasciencecenteratwarden8614
Who should I contact for press inquiries?
All press inquiries should be directed to press@teslasciencecenter.org
Who should I contact for donation inquiries?
Answer: All donation inquiries should be directed to donate@teslasciencecenter.org
Will there be any misinformation addressed?
Yes, any misinformation will be addressed accordingly. We encourage you to refer to our official channels for accurate information.
