In a global plea for support, the Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe has initiated a $3-million emergency fund drive to salvage the remnants of Nikola Tesla's last standing laboratory. A disastrous fire, erupting on November 21, has left the historic site in dire need of restoration.
The Tesla Science Center has been a beacon of innovation, serving as the final testament to the visionary inventions of Nikola Tesla. Despite the valiant efforts of over 100 firefighters, the blaze inflicted serious damage on this unique treasure.
Engineers are currently conducting a comprehensive assessment of the facility to ascertain the full extent of the fire-related damages. 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."
Photo: Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe.
The laboratory, a focal point for Tesla's groundbreaking work, was in the early stages of a $20-million restoration and redevelopment program. This initiative aimed to transform the former working laboratory into a global innovation center, an educational facility, and a museum.
However, the recent fire has significantly complicated and increased the cost of this ambitious redevelopment program. Now facing unforeseen challenges, the Tesla Science Center has urgently launched a $3-million Indiegogo fundraising initiative to cover the emergency remediation expenses.
Watch a video appeal produced by the organization:
Video: YouTube.
While the main laboratory's four walls remain intact, the original 1901 roof, along with the 2019-replaced chimney and cupola, suffered substantial damage. Immediate priorities include securing emergency funding to cover the damaged roof remains and stabilize internal areas where steel girders have been compromised.
Contributions to the fundraising campaign will be utilized to:
- Rebuild the roof, replace compromised steel girders, and restore interior structures
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Reframe and add supports for shoring laboratory walls
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Replace the damaged chimney and cupola
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Clean and repoint damaged bricks
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Reglaze windows and restore broken panes
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Revise architectural and engineering plans to accommodate major fire damage
You can contribute to the fundraiser by clicking here.
