Buildings 75, 87, and 88

Transcription

BASF Works Recordation Project
HABS Level II Documentation
Buildings 75, 87, and 88
BASF Works
City of Rensselaer, Rensselaer County, New York.
(HAA #3677)
Submitted to:
Besicorp-Empire Development Company, LLC
1151 Flatbush Road
Kingston, New York 12401
Prepared By:
WALTER RICHARD WHEELER
HARTGEN ARCHEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES, INC.
CERTIFIED WBE/DBE
1744 Washington Avenue Extension
Rensselaer, New York 12144
PHONE (518) 283-0534
FAX (518) 283-6276
email: [email protected]
website: www.hartgen.com
AN ACRA MEMBER FIRM
www.acra-crm.org
September 2006
HABS No. NYBuildings 75, 87, and 88
BASF Works
City of Rensselaer
Rensselaer County
New York
OUTLINE FORM REPORT
Historic American Buildings Survey
National Park Service
Department of the Interior
Washington, D. C. 20240
HISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY
THE BASF WORKS
Location:
HABS No. NY-
The BASF (Badische Anilin und Soda Fabrik) Rensselaer works are located in the
City of Rensselaer, Rensselaer County, New York. The complex is located on 88
acres (43 of which remain largely undeveloped) south of US 9 and 20, west of NY
9J, and east of Riverside Avenue in Rensselaer.
USGS Troy South 1980
Universal Transverse Mercator Coordinates: 602,648 E; 4,720,501 N
Zone 18
Owner:
The complex is currently owned by BASF. The land is to be leased to Besicorp Empire Newsprint, LLC and Besicorp-Empire Power Company, LLC for
construction and operation of a Recycled Newsprint Facility and Power
Generating Facility respectively.
Significance: The works are comprised of approximately 45 structures constructed between
1882 and c.1980, with the majority of the buildings having been constructed
between 1895 and 1946. These structures document the production and
development of aniline dye technology in the United States. Three buildings in
particular were constructed during the period 1931-1946 and have been identified
as good examples of the application of the Art Deco aesthetic to industrial
building design. This report presents a general history of the entire complex (in
the Historical Context section), but the physical history and description is
confined to the three structures identified as eligible for listing on the National
Register: Buildings 75, 87, and 88. Most of the buildings on site, including these
three buildings, are to be demolished in order to construct the Recycled Newsprint
Facility.
PART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION
A.
Physical History:
1.
Date of erection:
Building 75: 1931-32 with additions in 1935-36 and in 1941-42
Building 87: 1946, with addition in 1989.
Building 88: 1935, with addition in 1991.
BUILDINGS 75, 87, and 88
BASF SITE
HABS NY(page 2)
2.
Architect:
Building 75: Unknown- possibly V. W. Fox.
Building 87: Charles DuBose, New York, NY; 1991 addition by StetsonHarza, Troy, NY.
Building 88: Unknown.
3.
Original and subsequent owners, occupants, uses:
Building 75:
Building 75 was originally constructed in 1931-32 as a one story structure with high basement.
As initially constructed for the American I. G. Chemical Corporation it contained a library, the
main office and other offices, a physical laboratory, an experimental and autoclave room, and a
large analytical laboratory. The basement contained lavatories and a large storeroom.
A second story was added in 1935-36. This floor principally provided additional laboratory
space, but a small scale room and lavatories were also planned. Additions of 1941-42 provided
additional laboratory space.
In 1987, the uses of the building were described as follows:
Building 75 contains the research/Development Laboratories, the Analytical
Laboratory and the dyestuff Quality Assurance Laboratory. These laboratories
contain hi-tech state-of-the-art equipment to assure quality manufacturing
procedures and products for our customers. The Analytical Laboratory is
equipped with modern gas, ion and high performance liquid chromatograph and
spectrophotometers all equipped with computerized data stations.
The dyestuff Quality Assurance Laboratory is equipped to simulate the
manufacturing and dying conditions in full size dyehouses and textile and paper
plants. It is also equipped with computerized spectrophotometric and color
matching equipment.
Building 75 also contains customer service laboratories for the paper, leather and
ultraviolet absorbing chemicals businesses. These laboratories are dedicated to
not only supplying quality products but also to assist our customers in using our
products successfully.
BASF SITE
HABS NY(page 3)
The east wing houses our Accounting and Operations Management offices. The
east wing basement of Building 75 houses the Management Information Systems
Department and the Site computer and telecommunications facilities. These
facilities are connected to other computer systems throughout the Chemicals
Division of BASF providing timely access to information. Over 90 users at
Rensselaer, Division Headquarters in Parsippany, New Jersey, and our sister plant
in Charlotte, North Carolina use these facilities for various business functions to
support manufacturing operations (The Rainbow 1987: 3-4).
Building 87:
Building 87 was initially constructed in 1946-47. Only approximately the northern two thirds of
the anticipated original structure was constructed, however, modifications on the original
contract documents indicate that this decision was made before construction began. The building
was originally constructed for the General Aniline Works.
In 1987 the uses that the building served were described:
Building 87 is the largest manufacturing building on the Rensselaer Site. It
produces dyestuffs of many different types and colors. Some of the products are
liquids which are put directly into containers and shipped to customers. Others
are pastes which are sent to other buildings on Site for further processing. We
also produce some chemical intermediates which are used by other areas to
produce dyestuffs. Dyestuffs we produce put the yellow in the Yellow Pages,
brighten your newsprint, color your yellow paper tablets, color your leather
goods, are used in your car and are used in a wide variety of textiles, such as
carpets, drapes, upholstery and clothes (The Rainbow 1987: 4).
Building 88:
Building 88 was originally constructed in 1935-36 for the General Aniline Works, Inc. Various
small alterations occurred to the structure to accommodate numerous changes in equipment
layout over the years. A three-story corrugated metal structure was constructed in 1991 to house
Sicotan® production (“History of The Internal Growth of the BASF Plant in Rensselaer,”
accessed at www.colorantshistory.org/BASFPlantBldgHistory.html on 11 September 2006). It is
technically a separate structure known as Building 88A.
BASF SITE
HABS NY(page 4)
In 1987 the uses that the building then served were described:
Building 88 is called the Millroom because of the “milling” or particle size
reduction operations carried out here. Pure, dry dye color powders are milled
through high-speed pulverizers to uniform particle size. They are then charged
into large dry mixers, where they are blended with other materials to specific
strength, color-balance, and other physical/chemical specifications meeting
customer requirements. Final blends are then packaged into drum containers
ranging from 25 pounds to 250 pounds capacity. All dry dyestuff powders
produced in the Rensselaer plant are finished and packaged in Building 88 (The
Rainbow 1987: 3).
4.
Builder, Contractor, suppliers:
None of the identities of the builders, contractors, or suppliers for the various construction
campaigns of building 75, 87, or 88 were identified.
5.
Original plans and construction:
A number of the original plans for the construction of buildings 75, 87, and 88 have been
identified, and have been digitally scanned. Copies of these drawings have been reproduced on
acid-free paper and are part of this documentation package.
6.
Alterations and additions:
Building 75:
A second story addition was constructed in 1935-36. The addition covered the entire original
footprint of the structure. In 1941-42 two one-story wings on high basements were added to the
east and west of the original building. Second story additions to the wings were originally
planned (see drawing 3-6321) but were not constructed.
Building 87:
Only minor alterations were affected to Building 87 since 1947. These included minor changes
to fenestration and a small addition located at the north end of the east elevation.
BASF SITE
HABS NY(page 5)
Building 88:
In 1991, a three-story metal structure sheathed with corrugated sheet steel was constructed
immediately to the south of the earlier portion of Building 88. Technically it is a separate
structure, known as 88A.
B.
Historical Context:
The following history is taken from an account written by A. J. Cofrancesco, and is dated 20
March 1973.
History records that in 1868, A. Bott, a cardboard manufacturer, founded the
Albany Aniline and Chemical Company which by some is claimed to be the start
of the dyestuff industry in this country and which ultimately led to our division.
Bott was greatly influenced by that famous organic chemist Professor A. Hoffman
whom he met while on a trip in Europe. The end result was that Bott started to
manufacture Magenta on Hamilton Street in Albany. Since his factory was
situated in a residential section of the City, it was inevitable that the people in the
neighborhood would soon complain about the smells from the operation and
about color getting onto their clothes. Consequently the operations were moved to
Broadway in the southern part of the City close to the riverbank. However, it
seemed that Bott saw other difficulties ahead and in 1871 he resigned and
resumed his old business of cardboard making. His co-workers, however, carried
on. These were James Hendrick, Robert H. Pruyn, Paul Cushman, Chauncey P.
Williams and Carl Rumpf—the New York representative of Farbenfabriken of
Elberfeld.
Apparently, Farbenfabriken foresaw some potential in the Albany Aniline and
Chemical Company for in the early 70’s they sent a foreman named Hermann
Preiss to Albany specifically for the manufacture of Magenta. Prior to coming to
Albany, Preiss had been instructed in Elberfeld in the manufacture of this product
and apparently he had learned well for the manufacture of Magenta proved to be a
very successful operation. After a few years C. Rumpf, the American
representative of Farbenfabriken, returned to Germany and the shares of the
Albany Aniline and Chemical Company held by them were turned over to the
local shareholders one of whom was an Albany business man Louis Waldman.
In 1879, a young chemist named William Lesser left England, where he had
worked in the plant of Levinstein in Manchester and where he had learned the art
of baking Soluble Blues and Basic Brown. He landed in Boston, Mass. where at
first he tried his hand in the manufacture of Hectographic Inks. The Methyl
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HABS NY(page 6)
Violet used in his inks he purchased from Dawsen Miles, Jr., at that time Boston
sales agent for E. Sehlbach and Co. The latter concern was the American
representative of the Elberfeld Farbenfabriken vorm. Frederick Bayer and Co.
Lesser did not succeed as well as he would have liked in his line, and realizing the
need for widening the scope of his products he approached Sehlbach and Co. with
the idea of their going in with him in the manufacture of Soluble Blues and Alkali
Blues. Sehlbach and Co. declined the offer but introduced Lesser to Messrs. Lutz
and Movius the New York agents for the Albany Aniline and Chemical Co.
Through the latter a contact between James Hendrick and Lesser was established
and soon Lesser was invited to come to Albany and demonstrate his knowledge in
the laboratory. He convinced Hendrick of his ability and was engaged with a one
year contract. This was in 1881, contemporary to the time when Hendrick’s son,
Ellwood, returned from Germany where he had been studying chemistry.
Ellwood brought back with him several chemists from the Oehler plant in
Offenbach, namely Drs. Froelich and Mann. Ellwood Hendrick was first a
chemist in the Company and then became successively assistant manager,
manager and secretary until 1884. Included in the chemical staff, aside from quite
a number of other German chemists, was one Dr. Emil Wahl, a German chemist
versed in the art of dyestuff manufacture. The plant seemed to have prospered
and manufactured such products as Magenta, Aniline Oil, Toluidine,
Dimethylaniline, Methyl Violet, Fuchsine, Rosaniline Blues, Malachite Green,
Nigrosine and the Alkali and Soluble Blues.
Mr. Lesser, however, was not too happy with his association with the Albany
Aniline and Chemical Co. since he claimed that he and Preiss had been employed
with the promise of a partnership in the business. This Hendrick denied.
Consequently, he and Preiss decided to start a company of their own. In this they
received promise of financial support from one of the stockholders—Louis
Waldman. However, both Lesser and Preiss realized that chemical support would
also be necessary if their new venture was to succeed. It was only natural that
Preiss, having come from Elberfeld, should immediately turn to Farbenfabriken.
He went to New York and established contact with Messrs. Diestel and Sehlbach
of E. Sehlbach and Co. Through them—the agents of the Farbenfabriken—the
latter firm was approached and under participation of the Farbenfabriken vorm
Friedrich Bayer and Co., the “Hudson River Aniline Color Works” was founded
in January 1882. The officers of the Corporation at that time were:
Louis Waldman, President and Treasurer
William Lesser, Vice President and General Manager
P.A. Mann, Director
H. Preiss, Director
E. Sehlbach, Director
BASF SITE
HABS NY(page 7)
The company was organized with a capital of $36,000, of which the
Farbenfabriken supplied $10,000. The Capitalization consisted of 360 shares of
$100 each.
The site of the manufacturing plant was to be the Village of Greenbush, or
Rensselaer as it is called at present. The first building of the new plant was begun
on February 10, 1882 and the first batch of Fuchsine started July 1, 1882; the
manufacture of Aniline Blue was begun a fortnight later. The number of
workmen employed at the beginning was ten.
The Tariff Act of 1883 brought decided reductions in the very high tariff wall
thrown around the coal tar dyestuff industry and many of the companies failed. It
is to the credit of the young Hudson River Aniline and Chemical Co. that it was
one of the few that survived. The others were: The Schoellkopf Aniline and
Chemical Co., in Buffalo, N.Y., the Heller and Merz Co., in Newark, N.J., and the
Albany Aniline and Chemical Co. However difficulties developed with the sales
organization of the latter company and soon it was faced with financial problems.
In 1884, the mortgage was foreclosed and Ellwood Hendrick resigned. A
bondholders Committee took the plant over, tried reorganization and let most of
its chemists go, thereby laying the groundwork for the ultimate closing of the
Albany Aniline and Chemical Co. in the early 1890’s.
In the beginning the manufacture of the Hudson River Aniline Color Works was
the production of Fuchsine and Water Blues. However, in 1885 this was extended
by agreement with Messrs. Rumpf, Boettinger and Friedrich Bayer, Jr. to the
manufacture of Alkali and Cotton Blues. A couple of years later, the production
of Bismarck Browns and Chrysoidine was added to the list of colors being
produced and in 1890 the decision was made to go into the manufacture of
Nigrosine and Induline.
In 1895 the Hudson River Aniline Color Works burned down to the ground. The
directors immediately made plans for rebuilding on a large scale. The dyes
needed for the continuation of the selling business were partly supplied by
imports and partly by Schoellkopf. In a short time the plant was operating again,
this time employing some fifty men. By 1897, the plant produced about 35,000
lbs. Alkali and Soluble Blues and some 5,000 lbs. Induline. In 1898, the records
show a manufacture of 30,000 lbs. Alkali and Soluble Blues, 13,000 lbs.
Chrysoidine and Bismarck Brown, 16,000 lbs. Fuchsine Crystals and 3,000 lbs. of
Indulines. Apparently the development went steadily upward for the production
records for 1902 and 1903 list the following:
BASF SITE
HABS NY(page 8)
Indulines (plus Nigrosines)
Soluble Blues
Alkali Blues
Chrysoidine, Bismarck Browns
Fuchsine Crystals
1902
70,000lbs.
86,000lbs.
29,000lbs.
36,000lbs.
62,000lbs.
1903
79,000lbs.
100,000lbs.
32,000lbs.
56,000lbs.
72,000lbs.
Apparently an agreement existed between the Farbenfabriken vorm. Fr. Bayer and
Co. and the Hudson River Aniline Color Works which limited the production of
the latter plant to certain dyestuffs mostly used in the paper and leather trade. In
return for this, the Farbenfabriken put their distributing agency at the disposal of
the Hudson River Aniline and Color Works. Accordingly, no textile dyestuffs
were produced at the Rensselaer plant.
However, this agreement, in later years, was not to the liking of some of the
directors of the Rensselaer Company and in 1898 the American Color and
Chemical Co. was organized by Waldmann. The dissenters acquired some tracts
of land at Westerlo Island where they erected their manufacturing facilities.
President of this new organization was again Waldmann. Lesser apparently was
not actively interested in this enterprise. Other organizers were Martin Waldstein
from New York, and F.E. Atteaux, a Boston importer and dealer in dyes.
Through the latter, L. Waldmann got his general manager and vice president for
his new organization, namely Dr. E. von Salis. Dr. von Salis conducted a
business of his own in Manchester, England under the name of Hohenhauser and
Co., in company with a Dr. Brunner, who after some time withdrew, leaving Dr.
von Salis to carry on the business alone. When, through F.E. Atteaux and Mr.
Waldstein, the offer of the general management of the newly organized American
Color and Chemical Company was made, Dr. von Salis accepted and took over
his new duties in September, 1898 leaving one A.E. Dawes in Manchester to wind
up the affairs of his own organization. Mr. Dawes joined Dr. von Salis in the
spring of 1899 and soon the new venture was in full swing. The dyestuffs
produced were mostly those for the textile trade like Benzo Purpurine, Metanil
Yellow, Naphthol Blue Black, Empire Black, Orange II, Naphthol Yellow, etc. It
is remarkable that the plant also made their own intermediates like II and Cleve
acid. The dyestuffs sold found their way through jobbers, the company not
possessing a sales organization of its own. From the start, it seems that the
company prospered. There is on record that James Lyon of a printing firm in
Albany was financially interested as well as a H.A. Metz, agent for the Farbwerke
Meister Lucins and Bruening of Germany—both who joined the organization.
BASF SITE
HABS NY(page 9)
However, a price war developed soon and the manufacture of one dyestuff after
another became financially less and less attractive and the American Color and
Chemical Company found itself in financial problems. In 1901 or 1902, part of
the plant burned down. Things grew worse instead of better, other American
manufacturers starting plants of their own and cutting into the available business.
Conditions were right for a reorganization which took place in 1903 under the
participation of the Hudson River Aniline and Color Works and the
Farbenfabriken vorm. Fr. Bayer and Co. the plant of the American Aniline and
Color Company was liquidated. The Hudson River Aniline and Color Works
continued to make dyestuffs as before and Dr. von Salis was placed in charge of
the manufacturing facilities. The production records of the following years are a
tribute to his ability as shown by the following:
Indulines (plus nigrosines)
Soluble Blues
Alkali Blues
Chrysoidine, Bismarck Browns
Fuchsine Crystals
Crimson
Maroon
Leather Yellow
1904
114,000lbs.
140,000lbs.
54,000lbs.
62,000lbs.
24,000lbs
7,000lbs.
4,000lbs.
4,000lbs.
1905
118,000lbs.
118,000lbs.
53,000lbs.
70,000lbs.
24,000lbs.
12,000lbs.
6,000lbs.
----
1907
180,000lbs.
125,000lbs.
137,000lbs.
71,000lbs.
16,000lbs.
---3,000lbs.
----
In 1905 the pharmaceutical business was initiated. Manufacturing facilities for
aspirin, phenactin, and other pharmaceuticals were erected. The old plant in what
is now Building 61 and which dated back to 1882, rebuilt after the fire in 1895,
was enclosed. Building 71, the office and laboratory were erected in 1895. This
was followed in 1905 by the erection of Building 72 which, in those days, served
as Millroom and Shipping building. In 1905 the western half of building 73 was
built (in 1915 the eastern half was completed.)
In the meantime the name “Hudson River Aniline Color Works” was abandoned
in 1910 and the name changed to “Farbenfabriken of Elberfeld Co.,” which again
gave way to “The Bayer Co.” in 1913.
At the time World War I broke out in Europe, 1914, this country possessed seven
plants engaged in the manufacture of coal tar dyestuffs. Of these, The Bayer Co.
ranked third in production.
With the stoppage of dyestuffs from abroad, caused by the British blockade of
Germany, an acute shortage of dyeing material occurred in this country.
Although occasional shipments were made via Holland or by the spectacular
BASF SITE
HABS NY(page 10)
voyage of the submarine “Deutschland,” these hardly sufficed the demands for
dyestuffs. Consequently, the existing plants of the country undertook an
extensive expansion program while others founded new plants all over the
country—some big, some small.
The Rensselaer plant started out in 1915 with the erection of a plant for the
production of nitro and amino derivatives of benzene. In 1915, buildings 67, 68,
and 69 were erected. The extension of Building 68 was added in 1918. The same
year, 1915, saw an extension of this existing machine shop to serve the increased
needs of the plant. The management at that time prepared to extend not only the
manufacturing facilities for existing products (extension of the Nigrosine Dept. in
1916), but prepared also for the production of new products and the first Azo
Department was erected in 1916 in the form of what now constitutes the older part
of Building 83. In the same year, a new boiler room and smoke stack were built
to serve the fast increasing needs of the plant.
In the following year, further extensions took place: the machine shop had to be
enlarged, and an ice plant was built. The filter plant was erected in 1917 as well
as Building 85. The latter was destined mainly for the manufacture of Wool
Greens and with this color, the plant made its entry into the Triphenylmethane
Dyes.
When the plant was taken over by the Government and war with Germany was
declared, the chemical staff included Drs. H.E. Hager, Kemmerich, Ruppenthal,
Muthwurf, Mr. A.E. Dawes and Dr. von Salis who retained his managerial
position. When the Alien Property Custodian in 1917 sold the plant and all its
rights and patents on the steps of the Plant Office at public auction, the Sterling
Products Co. outbid its competitors and acquired the property. However, being
only interested in the pharmaceutical interests and particularly in the aspirin
manufacturing business, Sterling resold the dyestuff part of the plant to the
Grasselli Chemical Co. of Cleveland.
The Grasselli Chemical Co. had an acid producing plant in New Jersey and had
just completed an annex to it for the manufacture of Sulphur dyes and welcomed
the opportunity to expand its manufacturing facilities by the acquisition of a well
founded plant.
The Rensselaer plant now became “The Grasselli Chemical Co., Dyestuff
Division.” The management decided to strengthen their position in the
manufacture of dyestuffs by producing many more of the necessary intermediates.
Production of H-Acid was begun in Building 86 in 1918 but proved to be a
failure. Building 84 was erected in 1918 as a combined mill and dry room. There
were many more plans but the cessation of hostilities at the end of 1918 stopped
BASF SITE
HABS NY(page 11)
any constructive activity. The precipitous drop of dyestuff prices from its
fantastic height in 1918 through the following years to more normal levels left its
imprint on the industry as a whole including the Rensselaer plant.
Instead of a highly profitable operation, the purchase of the Rensselaer plant
became more and more a burden to the Grasselli Chemical Co. The depression of
1921 accentuated the situation. It soon became clear to them that the manufacture
of dyestuffs was a highly specialized art and that a closer contact with a more
experienced organization was necessary if the dyestuff plants of Grasselli were to
stay in business.
Negotiations were taken up with the former owners of the plant and within a few
years, in 1924, Bayer and Grasselli came to an agreement that resulted in the
formation of the Grasselli Dyestuff Corporation. The new organization set to
work to reorganize on a more solid footing. Buildings were revalued, equipment
written off, and antiquated and obsolete equipment thrown out. The task of
reorganization was first given to Dr. W. Walther of Leverkusen, who was soon
replaced by Dr. C.C. Burgdorf. He, with his chief engineer, J.C. Hartmann, both
from the Leverkusen plant of the old Farbenfabriken (now the I.G.), devoted most
of their time and efforts to the Jersey plant. Since this left little time for the
Rensselaer division, he asked for and received assistance from the home plant. In
1926 Dr. Grimmel was sent over to replace Dr. von Salis as Manager of the
Rensselaer plant.
The technical staff of the plant in 1927 consisted of the following chemists:
Messrs. Dawes, Gibbons, Moessinger, White, Preiss, Rolfes, and Vollmer. The
engineering staff was represented by Messr. Fellows and Kronowitt. The plant
records show that the plant employed fifteen foremen and 286 workmen. Mr.
Fugemann was the colorist.
The Rensselaer plant was the first one in this country to manufacture solid diazo
salts (1927). Later came the nitrosamines, and rapid fast colors, azines, acridines,
enchrysines and phosphines.
Grasselli Dyestuff Corporation continued to operate the two plants under that
name until 1928, when I.G. Farben assumed complete control and changed the
name to General Aniline Works, Inc.
In 1929, there was a merger of the Agfa Ansco Corporation, the Ozalid
Corporation, and the General Aniline Works giving rise to the American I.G.
Chemical Corporation. Later, in 1939 the name was changed to General Aniline
and Film Corporation of which we were the Rensselaer Division.
BASF SITE
HABS NY(page 12)
In 1932 the laboratory was built fulfilling a much needed want. Later, in 1936, a
second floor was added which became the dye laboratory and a few years later,
1941, a new wing was added, now known as the West Wing.
During the period 1928 and 1941 when World War II broke out, the Rensselaer
plant depended, for the most part, on intermediates supplied by the parent
Company. Consequently, upon seizure of all foreign owned interests by the
Government, the Rensselaer plant set up to manufacture its own dyestuff
intermediates. Some of these intermediates were of vital importance to the war
effort for which they were awarded the Army-Navy “E.” Building 87 was set up
specifically for the manufacture of intermediates (1950).
In the early ‘50’s, the Rensselaer plant was the first in this country to come out
with the so-called optical brighteners. Later, Rensselaer started the manufacture
of U.V. absorbers.
During the period 1941-1965, General Aniline and Film Corporation was
controlled by the Alien Property Custodian. Swiss banking interests repeatedly
attempted to secure control of the company on the basis that the company was
never owned by the I.G. They were unsuccessful in their attempts and in 1965
General Aniline and Film went public.
The Rensselaer Division of the Corporation, since 1968 known as the GAF
[General Aniline and Film] Corporation, besides contributing to the field of
dyestuffs, has added materially to the field of industrial organic chemicals
(Cofrancesco 1973: 1-7).
An account from 1987, provides additional history of the site:
In 1978, BASF purchased the Rensselaer works from GAF Corporation...[making
it]...part of the Dyestuffs and Pigments Group....one of 15 manufacturing
locations throughout the United State which are part of the company’s Chemicals
division....The Rensselaer site now [1987] employs close to 400 people who
manufacture about 150 products and hundreds of intermediates used in final
applications. The products serve virtually the entire spectrum of society,
wherever color is used to brighten or enhance any hind of natural or synthetic
article.
BASF SITE
HABS NY(page 13)
Many of the dyestuffs produced at Rensselaer go into paper and uses, such as the
yell in the telephone book’s yellow pages. Additional applications include textile
dyes used in natural and synthetic fibers, leather dyes, and specialty dyes like
NEPTUNE blue for the color in window and toilet bowl cleaners. Another 20%
of Rensselaer’s production is devoted to UVINUL ultraviolet absorbers. These
find application in plastics and in pharmaceutical products such as sunscreens
(The Rainbow 1987: 5-7).
BASF closed operations at the Rensselaer plant in 2000. At the time of announcement of the
closing, approximately 200 people were employed at the plant (“BASF To Close Its Dystuff
Plant
in
Rensselaer,
NY,”
press
release
accessed
online
at
www.basf.com/businesses/consumer/dispersions/usa/press/press30.html on 11 September 2006)
The buildings have stood vacant since that time.
PART II. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION
A.
General statement:
1.
Architectural Character:
Buildings 75, 87, and 88 each partake of the utilitarian aesthetic popularized during the early 20th
century as “modern” design. In their details, each building reflects the Art Deco aesthetic
popular during the era of their construction. Each of the three buildings utilizes the same
materials: a combination of concrete, brick, and glass block for their facades.
2.
Condition of fabric:
Each of the three structures is in fair condition. Portions of the brick facing on the north wall of
building 88 have fallen away at the parapet wall level. Removal of equipment has damaged
some ceilings, walls, doors, and windows in building 75.
B.
Description of Exterior (Building 75):
1.
Overall dimensions:
The overall width of the building (east-west) is 223’-0”. The two wings each measure 71’-0”
(east-west) by 46’-0” with an 11’-8” (east-west) by 17’-9” projection at each end enclosing a
staircase. The original portion of the portion of the structure completed in 1932, measures 132’6” (north-south) by 59’-8”.
BASF SITE
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2.
Foundations:
The foundations are comprised of cast-in-place continuous concrete foundations with spread
footings.
3.
Walls:
Exterior walls are comprised of structural steel embedded in concrete with brick spandrel panels
in the earliest part of the building (1931-32). The two wings (1941-42) utilized reinforced
concrete framing and the facades are comprised of the expressed reinforced concrete beams and
continuous brick spandrel panels, which pass in front of the reinforced concrete columns.
4.
Structural system, framing:
The earlier portion of the structure is comprised of structural steel encased in concrete. The 1” x
10” steel columns are placed on a grid measuring 19’-6” (east-west) by 22’-0” with the central
bay measuring 19’-4” (east-west) and the northernmost bay measuring 22’-6” (north-south).
The structure of the 1941-42 additions is comprised of a reinforced concrete frame. The 1’-6”
square columns are placed on a grid measuring 21’-3” (east-west) by 20’-11”.
5.
Porches, stoops, balconies, porticoes, bulkheads:
A large formal concrete stair is located in the center of the south elevation. The newels are
formed of cast concrete and originally had bronze ornamentation, now lost. The stair is supported
at its top and bottom; a second staircase passes under it from the east and west sides to give
access to the basement floor.
6.
Chimneys: n/a
7.
Openings:
a.
Doorways and doors:
The main entrance is comprised of a pair of anodized aluminum glass doors and transom with an
elaborate surround forming a central pavilion extending the entire height of the building. The
edges of this pavilion, the door surround, and the surround of a window in its second floor are all
detailed with stepped faceting, forming the chief decorative element on this building.
b.
Windows and shutters:
The windows are comprised of glass block measuring 7 ¾” square and 3 7/8” thick in continuous
bands on the south elevation and on the east and west elevations of the wings. The east, north,
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and west elevation of the older, central, pavilion are comprised of bays of fixed metal sash filling
most of the area between structural bays, with a central operable sash. The earliest drawings for
the building, and those for the elevation of the wings added 1941-42, show steel framed windows
on the south elevation, but sectional drawings from the same period depict the glass block that
was in fact installed.
8.
Roof:
a.
Shape, covering:
The roof is flat and is covered with ethylene propylene diene monomer (epdm).
b.
Cornice, eaves:
There is no cornice, but a 3’-5” high parapet wall extends around the entire structure.
C.
Description of Interior (Building 75):
1.
Floor plans:
a.
The Basement
The basement is largely given over to office, laboratory, and storage space. A central corridor
runs north-south in the older portion of the building. A central corridor runs east-west through
the two wings and the south end of the central pavilion, giving access to laboratory space,
restrooms, and offices located in the wings.
b.
The First Floor
The first floor of the central portion of the building is largely comprised of open space, utilized
for laboratories. Several offices are partitioned from the south end of this portion of the building.
The second floor of the wings are given over to laboratory space with a row of offices separated
from the labs by wood and glass partition walls (in the west wing), and offices (in the east wing).
c.
The Second Floor
The second floor of the central portion of the building is largely open, but divided into bays by
walls that support the laboratory furnishings but which do not extend to the ceiling.
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2.
Stairways:
Two stair towers are located at the east and west ends of the south end of the building. Each
contains a divided run stair with open well. A central single run stair with open well at the
second floor level is located in the entrance lobby. An exterior steel stair serves as an emergency
exit at the north end of the building.
3.
Flooring:
Asphalt tile were specified in the original construction documents.
4.
Wall and ceiling finish:
Walls are typically plaster, except in work areas where non-porous tile with a yellow glaze
predominates. Ceilings are largely comprised of the undersides of the structural concrete slabs.
Later drop ceilings were installed in many of the office spaces.
5.
Openings:
a.
Doorways and doors
Doors and windows have simple architraves. Doors are utilitarian in design.
b.
Windows:
Interior windows are located in the partition walls separating the offices on the first floor of the
west wing.
6.
Decorative features and trim:
Interior decorative features and trim are kept to a minimum. The railings and balusters of the
staircases although of utilitarian design, were carefully detailed, and include extruded aluminum
handrails with a moulded profile.
7.
Hardware:
Hardware is unremarkable.
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8.
Mechanical equipment:
a.
Heating, air conditioning, ventilation:
Much of the mechanical equipment is devoted to the ventilation of the laboratory spaces. The
appearance of these components is documented in the photographs that accompany this report.
b.
Lighting
The lighting is a combination of fluorescent and incandescent light fixtures of utilitarian design.
c.
Plumbing
Plumbing is unremarkable.
laboratories.
9.
Much of it is associated with the removal of waste from the
Original furnishings:
Many of the original furnishings associated with the laboratories remain in place. These include
specialized work surfaces, including glass, lead, and other types of non-porous work surfaces.
The original cabinetry in the laboratories survives as well. The majority of the office furniture
does not survive; it may have been similar to that documented by the surviving drawing (2-4700)
which accompanies this report, and which details furniture designed for use in building 88.
D.
1.
Overall dimensions:
The original planned length (north-south) of Building 87 was 261’-6”, of which 173’-6” was
constructed. The building is 99’-10” wide along its east-west sides. One of two stair towers,
measuring 11’-10” (east-west) by 39’-6 ½” (north-south) was constructed.
2.
Foundations:
The building rests on a grid of reinforced concrete pier spread footings.
3.
Walls:
The walls of the building are comprised of the reinforced-concrete encased steel columns and
beams with brick spandrel panels and bands of glass block with casement windows at regular
intervals for ventilation. The beams and columns are not expressed on the exterior. The stair
tower is sheathed with brick and features continuous vertical panels of glass block on each of its
BASF SITE
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three elevations. The examples of loose brick that have fallen from the façade bear the
embossed stamp of “SSBCO” in their frogs. The walls are capped with a precast concrete
coping.
4.
Structural steel columns on a grid measuring 18’-10” (east west) for the central three bays
and 20’-2” for the east and west end bays by 24’-2” (north-south). An anticipated bay at the
south end of the building measuring 16’-10” (north-south) was part of the structure that was not
constructed. The steel beams and columns are encased in reinforced concrete along the exterior
elevations and left exposed on the interior.
5.
Porches, stoops, balconies, porticoes, bulkheads: n/a
6.
Chimneys: n/a
7.
Openings:
a.
Doorways and doors:
The main entrance to the building is located in the base of the stair tower which projects from the
west elevation. The door itself is utilitarian in nature and unremarkable.
b.
The windows of Building 87 comprise, together with the stair tower, its chief aesthetic feature.
Bands of glass block (“Bristol LX-75”) which continue uninterrupted around the corners of the
building alternate with brick spandrel panels creating a play of dark and light bands, which
changes during the day and under different lighting conditions.
8.
Roof:
a.
Shape, covering:
The roof is flat with a central monitor that extends the length of the building along its northsouth axis. The roof of the monitor is flat also. Both are believed to be covered with epdm.
b.
Cornice, eaves:
There is no cornice on the building. A parapet wall measuring approximately 4’-0” high,
extends around the building. Its exterior is faced with a continuous panel of brick and is capped
with a concrete coping.
BASF SITE
HABS NY(page 19)
E.
1.
Floor plans:
Each of the four floors (three floors and basement) of Building 87 are largely undivided. Rooms
are partitioned off of the northwest and southwest corners of the first and second floors for use as
laboratory space, an electrical panel room, and a machinery room.
2.
Stairways:
A number of enclosed staircases have been opened in the various parts of the open plan of the
building. Most of these communicate only between two floors. The chief staircase is located in
the stair and elevator tower located on the west elevation of the building.
3.
Flooring:
The majority of the flooring is concrete. Some areas have fireproof tiling arranged to appear like
brick paving. This material is a 3/16” thick asphalt tile on a 13/16” mastic bed laid on a 2-ply
membrane over 2” of “Foamglas.” In some areas “acid proof brick” is used for flooring.
4.
The walls and ceilings are comprised of the exposed structural elements of the building, and the
underside of the concrete slab flooring. The first floor exterior walls are covered with 1 ¾”
glazed tile.
5.
Openings:
a.
Doorways and doors
There are no remarkable doors or doorways on the interior.
b.
Windows:
There are no interior windows in the building.
6.
There are no decorative features or trim used in the interior.
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7.
Hardware:
Hardware is unremarkable.
8.
The mechanical equipment comprises the most remarkable interior feature of this structure.
Equipment and its support systems comprise a Piranesian space that blurs the vertical and
horizontal boundaries within the building. Vats, mixers, control panels and conduits are
connected in an elaborate array.
9.
There are no furnishings in this building except the remaining equipment.
F.
1.
Overall dimensions:
The overall dimensions of Building 88 are 178’-5” (north-south) by 74’- 10 ¾” (at its northern
end). The building is trapezoidal in shape, being 1’-2 ¼” wider at its southern end. Three
stair/elevator towers of differing sizes are located on the west (1) and east (2) elevations.
2.
Foundations:
The foundations are comprised of concrete footings which rest on groups of pilings. The exterior
wall is supported by a continuous reinforced concrete foundation.
3.
Walls:
The exterior walls are comprised of metal windows and brick arranged in continuous alternating
bands that give the building a horizontal emphasis. The three stair/elevator towers are sheathed
with brick and feature recessed panels which span the four floors of the building. These panels
are filled with yellow-brown terracotta tile or are filled with windows, and give the towers a
vertical emphasis.
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4.
The frame is comprised of structural steel columns and beams. The columns are placed on an
irregular grid, the bays measuring generally 16’-0” o. c. with some variation (north-south). The
columns are spaced 19’-7”, 20’-0”, 19’-7”, and 14’-5 ¼” o.c. in the east-west direction.
Concrete slabs enclose the top flange of the steel beams. The steel framing drawings were
executed by the Belmont Iron Works of Philadelphia.
5.
Porches, stoops, balconies, porticoes, bulkheads: n/a
6.
Chimneys: n/a
7.
Openings:
a.
Doorways and doors:
The exterior doors and doorways are unremarkable
b.
Windows have steel sills and iron sash frames.
8.
Roof:
a.
Shape, covering:
The roof is flat and is presumed to be covered with epdm. The roofs of the towers have a series
of 1’-0” high step backs and are covered with lead coated copper.
b.
Cornice, eaves:
There is no cornice. A parapet wall just under three feet high, with a precast concrete coping,
extends around the building. The stair/elevator towers have decorative tops, described above
under “Roof.”
G.
1.
Floor plans:
a.
The Basement
The basement floor is generally open, with washrooms and locker rooms located at the north end
and shower and wash rooms at the south end of the building.
BASF SITE
HABS NY(page 22)
b.
The First Floor
The first floor has an open plan, except for the showers, washrooms, and toilets at the south end.
c.
The Second and Third Floors
The second and third floors are partitioned similarly to the first floor.
2.
Stairways:
Stairways and elevators are located in three towers expressed on the exterior of the building.
The separation of the stair towers from the main floors of the building gave them a degree of
protection from fire. Several internal staircases, for communication between two floors or for
access to particular equipment, were constructed over the years.
3.
Flooring:
Terrazzo flooring was used in some areas of the first floor. Other flooring materials include
brick tile, mastic tile, and “J. M.” asphalt tile. Most of the materials appear to have been selected
for their resistance to various chemicals.
4.
Most of the walls on the interior are faced with structural glazed brick tile measuring 4 7/8” x 8”
x 6” (called “Brictile” in the contract documents); the tile used for the interior partitions are
glazed on both sides. These structural tiles are ochre in color.
5.
Openings:
a.
Doorways and doors
The interior doors are unremarkable. They are typically steel doors with the upper half glazed
with divided light fixed sash.
b.
Windows:
A number of the internal partitions had glazing in the form of steel framed sash.
6.
There were no decorative features or trim in the building except on the exterior as noted.
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HABS NY(page 23)
7.
Hardware:
The hardware was unremarkable.
8.
a.
Heating, air conditioning, ventilation
Conventional ducted air system. The milling and mixing equipment for the works are located in
this building; the equipment comprises one of the chief features of the building. The BASF
archives contain many equipment layout plans and sections for this structure; three of them have
been reproduced for this report.
b.
Lighting
The most recent lighting system appears to have been mercury vapor or halogen. The original
lighting system was likely incandescent or fluorescent.
c.
Plumbing
The plumbing for this structure is quite extensive, and is comprised of that needed for the
showers and washrooms, and that needed for the work of production.
9.
None appear to exist.
documentation.
They are documented in a drawing (2-4698) reproduced for this
PART III. SOURCES OF INFORMATION
A.
Architectural drawings:
The architectural drawings for all of the structures of the works are owned by BASF. At the time
the research was conducted for this report (November 2005- February 2006) they were stored on
site.
B.
Early Views:
Several early aerial views of the BASF works were identified in the collections stored on-site.
Copies of a number of these have been included in the “Supplemental Materials” portion of this
documentation package.
BASF SITE
HABS NY(page 24)
C.
Interviews:
Interview with Wayne St. Clair, BASF, at the works offices in Rensselaer, N. Y., February 2006.
D.
Bibliography:
BASF Corporation. “BASF To Close Its Dystuff Plant in Rensselaer, NY,” press release, 22
June 1999. Accessed online at
www.basf.com/businesses/consumer/dispersions/usa/press/press30.html on 11 September 2006.
Cofrancesco, A. J. “The Rensselaer Division of GAF has a Proud Heritage.” Typescript dated
20 March 1973. Collection BASF corporation.
Culhane, Kerri. Historic Architectural Evaluation BASF Rensselaer Site, Rensselaer, New York.
Croton-on-Hudson, New York: John Milner Associates, 2001.
Epsilon Associates, Inc. Analysis of Alternatives Pursuant to Section 106 National Historic
Preservation Act of 1966...for Demolition of Buildings 75, 87 and 88 at the BASF Facility,
Rensselaer, New York. Maynard, MA: Epsilon Associates, Inc., October 2002.
Geschichte und Entwicklung der Farbenfabriken vorm. Friendr. Bayer & Co. Elberfeld in den
Ersten 50 Jahren. Munchen, Deuchland: Klischees und Druck von Meisenbach Riffarth & Co.,
1918.
“Hudson River Aniline Color Works,” 1904. Typescript in the collections of Bayer AG,
Leverkusen, Germany.
Merz, August. “Half Century of the United States Dye Industry,” in the Textile Colorist, “50th
Anniversary 1879-1928” special issue, (n.p.,), 1928.
Ricard, Leander. “A History of the Dye Producing Industry in Rensselaer, New York,” Textile
Chemist & Colorist 26: 8 (August 1994), 23-26.
The Rainbow, newsletter September 1987, 2-7. Untitled and unsigned article with descriptions
of the then-standing buildings in the BASF works, their construction history and history of use,
together with a brief corporate history.
Verg, Erik, with Gottfried Plumpe and Heinz Schultheis. Milestones: The Bayer Story, 18631988. Leverkusen, West Germany: Bayer AG, [1988].
BASF SITE
HABS NY(page 25)
“Why U. S. dye makers gave up,” Chemical Week, 8 September 1982, n.p. Accessed online at
www.colorantshistory.org/sitebuilder/images/File000110-705x924.jpg on 11 September 2006.
E.
Sources Checked with Negative Results:
The corporate archives currently (2006) stored on site were thoroughly searched for contracts
and specifications of the buildings but none were found.
F.
Likely Sources Not Yet Investigated:
Baptista, Robert and Anthony Travis. “I. G. Farben in America: The Technologies of General
Aniline & Film,” History and Technology 22:2 (June 2006), 187-224.
Hendrick, Ellwood, “Record of the Coal-Tar Color Industry at Albany,” Industrial and
Engineering Chemistry 16: 4 (April 1924), 409-419.
Herty, Charles H. “American Dysetuff Manufacture,” The Journal of Industrial and
Engineering Chemistry 8: 10 (October 1916), 950-952.
Merz, August. “Early American Coal Tar Dye Industry,” Chemical and Engineering News 22:
15 (10 August 1944), 1275-1280.
O’Reilly, Declan. “Vesting GAF Corporation: The Roosevelt Administration’s Decision to
Americanise I. G. Farben’s American Affiliates in World War II,” History and Technology 22:2
(June 2006), 153-186.
A comprehensive bibliography, with some links to online publications, can be found at
www.colorantshistory.org/FurtherReading.html .
Interviews with former employees would provide valuable information regarding the use of the
structures and the operation of the site. Contracts and specifications for each of the structures
may survive either on-site or in the BASF corporate offices, but were not available for this
report.
The Bayer AG Unternehmensgeschichte/Archiv in Leverkusen, Germany, is known to have a
number of photographs and documents that pertain to the complex during their period of
corporate ownership.
BASF SITE
HABS NY(page 26)
G.
Supplemental Material:
A selection of historic photographs in the collection of BASF have been included with this
report.
PART IV. PROJECT INFORMATION
A.
Preparers
Walter Richard Wheeler, Project Historian
Hartgen Archeological Associates, Inc.
1744 Washington Avenue Extension
Rensselaer, New York 12144
Stephen Penson Ross, photographer
P. O. Box 683
Troy, New York 12181-0683
B.
Research Assistance
Roberta S. Jeracka, Architectural Historian’s Assistant
Hartgen Archeological Associates, Inc., Rensselaer, New York.
The research for this report was conducted by Walter Richard Wheeler in November 2005September 2006. The report was written in July-September 2006. Transcription of some of the
narrative sources was done by Robyn L. Bauw, Architectural Historian, Hartgen Archeological
Associates, Inc. Roberta S. Jeracka assisted in research in the drawings collection of BASF, and
in the search for contracts and specifications for the buildings.
Stephen Penson Ross photographed the buildings on 3-4 November 2005. An additional
photograph depicting the entire works was taken on 18 November 2005 from the site of the
former Sterling Winthrop Laboratories, now SUNY East.
The report was written by Walter R. Wheeler. The documentation packages were assembled by
Walter R. Wheeler and Robyn L. Bauw.
SITE PLAN
HISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDING SURVEY
THE BASF WORKS
CITY OF RENSSELAER, RENSSELAER CO., NY
HAER No. NY-
INDEX TO PHOTOGRAPHS
Photographer: Stephen Penson Ross
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
3-4 , 14 and 18 November 2005
Building 75, looking north-northwest.
Building 75, looking west.
Building 75, looking south-southwest.
Building 75, first floor west stairway wing looking southwest.
Building 75, second floor weighing room looking south.
Building 75, first floor west lab looking northeast.
Building 75, first floor west lab looking east.
Building 75, first floor north lab looking north.
Building 87, looking northeast.
Building 87, looking east.
Building 87, looking southwest.
Building 87, third floor looking northwest.
Building 87, second floor looking north.
Building 88, looking west.
Building 88, looking southwest.
Building 88, second floor milling room looking north.
Building 88, electric panel boxes at the second floor landing of the northwest tower,
looking south.
General view of the BASF Works, looking west.
Oil tank with Building 74 in the left background, looking northwest.
General view with Building 65 on left, looking east.
Buildings 61 and 72, looking west-northwest.
Building 71, looking northeast with Building 61 to the left and Building 72 to the right
rear.
Building 61, looking southeast, with Building 60 in the foreground and Building 71 to the
right.
Building 85, looking east-northeast.
HABS PHOTOGRAPHS BY STEPHEN PENSON ROSS, 2005
AND REDUCED COPIES OF CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS FOR BUILDING 75
BUILDING 75, LOOKING NORTH-NORTHWEST.
BUILDING 75, LOOKING WEST.
BUILDING 75, LOOKING SOUTH-SOUTHWEST.
BUILDING 75, FIRST FLOOR WEST STAIRWAY WING LOOKING SOUTHWEST.
BUILDING 75, SECOND FLOOR WEIGHING ROOM LOOKING SOUTH.
BUILDING 75, FIRST FLOOR WEST LAB LOOKING NORTHEAST.
BUILDING 75, FIRST FLOOR WEST LAB LOOKING EAST.
BUILDING 75, FIRST FLOOR NORTH LAB LOOKING NORTH.
BUILDING 75
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
GENERAL ANILINE WORKS
LAYOUT OF FIRST FLOOR AND BASEMENT OF ALB. LAB NO. 75
DRAWN BY V. W. FOX
DRAWING D-4323
7 DECEMBER 1931
BUILDING 75
GENERAL ANILINE WORKS, INC.
SECOND FLOOR PLAN AND NORTH ELEVATION
DRAWN BY V. W. FOX
DRAWING 4-10193
22 AUGUST 1935
BUILDING 75
PLAN OF FINISHED SECOND FLOOR
DRAWN BY V. W. FOX
DRAWING 4-10195
30 AUGUST 1935
BUILDING 75
DETAILS OF CONCRETE STAIRS BETWEEN 1ST & 2ND FLOOR
DRAWN BY V. W. FOX
DRAWING 4-10196
4 SEPTEMBER 1935
BUILDING 75
SOUTH ELEVATION & WALL SECTIONS FOR SAME
DRAWN BY BAXTER
DRAWING 4-10197
9 SEPTEMBER 1935
BUILDING 75
WALL SECTIONS & CONCRETE DETAILS
DRAWN BY V. W. FOX
DRAWING 4-10199
16 SEPTEMBER 1935
BUILDING 75
NORTH, EAST AND WEST ELEVATIONS OF LABORATORY
DRAWN BY R. B.
DRAWING 4-10200
16 SEPTEMBER 1935
BUILDING 75
LAYOUT OF DYE LABORATORY ON 2ND FLOOR
DRAWN BY G. W.
DRAWING 3-4489
12 AUGUST 1936
BUILDING 75
ELEVATIONS
DRAWN BY GLEIXNER
DRAWING 3-6322
9 APRIL 1941
BUILDING 75
BASEMENT & FIRST FLOOR PLAN
DRAWN BY M. SCH.
DRAWING 3-6319
10 APRIL 1941
BUILDING 75
WALL SECTIONS
DRAWN BY M. SCH.
DRAWING 3-6321
10 APRIL 1941
BUILDING 75
GENERAL LAYOUT OF FIRST FLOOR
DRAWN BY BAKER
DRAWING 3-6317
2 MAY 1941
BUILDING 75
CONCRETE STAIR DETAILS
DRAWN BY GLEIXNER
DRAWING 3-6382
9 OCTOBER 1941
HABS PHOTOGRAPHS, 2005 BY STEPHEN PENSON ROSS
AND REDUCED COPIES OFCONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS FOR BUILDING 87
BUILDING 87, LOOKING NORTHEAST.
BUILDING 87, LOOKING EAST.
BUILDING 87, LOOKING SOUTHWEST.
BUILDING 87, THIRD FLOOR LOOKING NORTHWEST.
BUILDING 87, SECOND FLOOR LOOKING NORTH.
BUILDING 87
F. H. MC GRAW & COMPANY
CHARLES DU BOSE, ARCHITECT
EAST & WEST BUILDING ELEVATIONS
DRAWN BY A. T.
DRAWING A3-7407
1 OCTOBER 1946
BUILDING 87
LONGITUDINAL SECTION THRU BUILDING & LOOKING EAST, NORTH &
SOUTH BUILDING ELEVATIONS
DRAWN BY A. T.
DRAWING A3-7408
1 OCTOBER 1946
BUILDING 87
BASEMENT PLAN & DETAILS
DRAWN BY A. T.
DRAWING A3-7401
1 OCTOBER 1946
BUILDING 87
FIRST FLOOR PLAN & DETAILS
DRAWN BY F. S.
DRAWING A3-7402
1 OCTOBER 1946
BUILDING 87
SECOND FLOOR PLAN & DETAILS
DRAWN BY A. T.
DRAWING A3-7403
1 OCTOBER 1946
BUILDING 87
BUILDING CROSS SECTS. LOOKING NORTH & NORTH RAMP PLAN & DETAILS
DRAWN BY A. T.
DRAWING A3-7409
1 OCTOBER 1946
BUILDING 87
EXTERIOR DETAILS OF STAIR TOWERS NOS. 1 & 2
DRAWN BY F. SCHUHMACHER
DRAWING A3-7417
1 OCTOBER 1946
BUILDING 87
WINDOW SCHEDULE & DETAILS INTERIOR FINISH SCHEDULE
DRAWN BY F. S.
DRAWING A3-7419
1 OCTOBER 1946
AND REDUCED COPIES OF CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS FOR BUILDING 88
BUILDING 88, LOOKING WEST.
BUILDING 88, LOOKING SOUTHWEST.
BUILDING 88, SECOND FLOOR MILLING ROOM LOOKING NORTH.
BUILDING 88, ELECTRIC PANEL BOXES AT THE SECOND FLOOR LANDING OF
THE NORTHWEST TOWER, LOOKING SOUTH.
BUILDING 88
CROSS SECTIONS OF BLDG. NO. 88
DRAWN BY M. SCH.
DRAWING 3-4513
11 JULY 1935
BUILDING 88
STAIR WELL AND FRAMING SOUTH EAST CORNER
DRAWN BY M. G.
DRAWING 3-4536
17 JULY 1935
BUILDING 88
WALL SECTIONS
DRAWN BY SIMPSON
DRAWING 3-4518
15 AUGUST 1935
BUILDING 88
NORTH & SOUTH ELEVATIONS STEEL FRAMING
DRAWN BY M. G.
DRAWING 3-4531
22 AUGUST 1935
BUILDING 88
NORTH AND SOUTH ELEVATIONS
DRAWN BY SIMPSON
DRAWING 3-4545
24 AUGUST 1935
BUILDING 88
WEST ELEVATION
DRAWN BY SIMPSON
DRAWING 3-4546
28 AUGUST 1935
BUILDING 88
EAST ELEVATION
28 AUGUST 1935
BUILDING 88
FOUNDATION WALLS & BASEMENT FLOOR
DRAWN BY SIMPSON
DRAWING 3-4521
26 SEPTEMBER 1935
BUILDING 88CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
BASEMENT FLOOR PLAN
DRAWN BY M. SCH.
DRAWING 3-4560
4 OCTOBER 1935
BUILDING 88
DOOR JAMB-HEAD & PANEL DETAILS OFFICE ENTRANCE
DRAWN BY SIMPSON
DRAWING 2-4604
21 NOVEMBER 1935
BUILDING 88
LONGITUDINAL SECTION SHOWING ARR. ( LOOKING EAST)
DRAWN BY V. W. FOX
DRAWING D-5446
24 JANUARY 1936
BUILDING 88
LONGITUDINAL SECTION LOOKING WEST
DRAWN BY V. W. FOX
DRAWING D-5447
28 JANUARY 1936
BUILDING 88
CROSS SECTION LOOKING NORTH
DRAWN BY V. W. FOX
DRAWING D-5531
22 MAY 1936
BUILDING 88
FURNITURE FOR OFFICES
DRAWN BY W. BAKER
DRAWING 2-4698
23 SEPTEMBER 1936
CONTEXT PHOTOGRAPHS OF ADDITIONAL STRUCTURES WITHIN THE
FACTORY COMPLEX
GENERAL VIEW OF THE BASF WORKS, LOOKING WEST.
OIL TANK WITH BUILDING 74 IN THE LEFT BACKGROUND, LOOKING
NORTHWEST.
GENERAL VIEW WITH BUILDING 65 ON THE LEFT, LOOKING EAST.
BUILDINGS 61 AND 72, LOOKING WEST-NORTHWEST.
BUILDING 71, LOOKING NORTHEAST WITH BUILDING 61 TO THE LEFT AND
BUILDING 72 TO THE RIGHT REAR.
BUILDING 61, LOOKING SOUTHEAST, WITH BUILDING 60 IN THE
FOREGROUND AND BUILDING 71 TO THE RIGHT.
BUILDING 85, LOOKING EAST-NORTHEAST.
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS
HISTORIC PHOTOGRAPHS
AERIAL VIEW LATE 1930'S BEFORE 1941
AERIAL VIEW 1946
AERIAL VIEW 1947
AERIAL VIEW c. 1948
AERIAL VIEW EARLY 1960'S
AERIAL VIEW 1978
AERIAL VIEW 1978
AERIAL VIEW 1979
AERIAL VIEW 2000
CONTEXT ARTICLES ABOUT THE DYE INDUSTRY
Hudson River Aniline Color Works
(Bayer Archives, 1904)
Geschichte und Entwicklung der Farbenfabriken vorm. Friedr. Bayer & Co. Elberfeld in
den Ersten 50 Jahren
(1918)
Half Century of the United States Dye Industry
(Merz, 1928)
The Rainbow
(September 1987)
Milestones: The Bayer Story 1863-1988
(Verg, 1988)
A History of the Dye Producing Industry in Rensselaer, New York
(Ricard, 1994)

Buildings 75, 87, and 88

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