19 May the fate of the roanoke building’s c. 1914 basement general distribution switchboard uncertain

the fate of the historic roanoke building’s c. 1914 basement general distribution switchboard remains uncertain.

“offline” or disconnected since 1940, the largely intact black slate-backed “open” switchboard, with visually appealing glass enclosed watthour, volt and amp meters, along with oversized copper “knife” switches and incised-letter plaques is a work of art, in and of itself.

i was under the strong impression that we were going to be salvaging this antiquated electrical artifact, but the individuals responsible for solidifying the deal, have dropped from the radar. frustrated, but not surprising, considering the fact that other “salvage” opportunities from the past have fallen apart for one reason or another.

such is life.

at the very least, i really hope they decide not to scrap the panel for its copper, if and when the building becomes yet another “boutique” hotel in downtown chicago.