Large Bristol Powerhouse Likely To Be Demolished

Bristol Borough may soon be losing a hulking reminder of its industrial past that brought large amounts of money and jobs to the river town.

The Bucks County Redevelopment Authority (BCRDA) and Bristol Borough are working together to secure grant funding to tear down the Grundy Powerhouse.

BCRDA Director Bob White told LevittownNow.com his group is seeking roughly $300,000 to tear down the massive building and smokestack, which has been an iconic sight in the town for decades. He aims to have the building taken down this year.

Once the building is down, White said his organization would work with the borough to find a new use for the property. He said commercial, residential and open space uses would all be considered.

A few years back, there was a plan to put 26 luxury condominiums inside the former facility that generated much of the power for the Grundy Mill complex, which produced textiles and employed thousands.

During an inspection about a decade ago, the powerhouse was structurally sound but had limited redevelopment uses because of its design as a power generating station, according to White. He added he also fears the condition of the building has deteriorated over the past few years.

Inside, according to White and BCRDA Deputy Director Jeff Darwak, the large generating room has been stripped of much of its equipment but features some offices and mechanical spaces.

The powerhouse sits next to the Grundy Commons. The building, featuring its iconic clock tower, is privately owned and rented out to a number of businesses.