A fixture of
the downtown Cedar Rapids skyline for nearly 125 years is coming down. Work to safely demolish the Sixth Street Generating Station is now underway.
Former Sixth Street Generating Station plant manager and current president of Alliant Energy’s Iowa utility, Doug Kopp says, “Sixth Street was a critical generation resource for our company for nearly 125 years. The facility provided safe and reliable power that supported the growth of Cedar Rapids. It is forever a part of our community’s history and heritage.”
The facility began providing electric service in 1888 and export steam service in 1892. It was the first Alternating Current (AC) electric and steam plant ever constructed west of the Mississippi River. The flood of 2008 did significant damage to parts of the facility.
“The many employees who worked at the generating station over the years took great pride in providing safe and reliable energy to their families, friends and community,” said Kopp. “Their efforts are to be commended, and I thank them for their years of service with our company.”
The lead contractor on the project is Brandenburg Industrial Service Company, one of the nation’s premier demolition firms specializing in demolition and environmental remediation, which includes asbestos abatement, hazardous material removal, soil remediation and excavation. Brandenburg employees use specialized equipment to reduce landfill waste and increase salvage through the recycling of construction debris.
Work is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2015. We are evaluating future uses for the site after work is done.
We remind customers with low-to-moderate household income to apply for heating assistance through local county and community action agencies. Funds are limited, so apply now.
Alliant Energy News 