Architectural Feature: Exterior
 Date: 1920?; 1941; 1967

Sometime after the 1914 completion of the original station another building was constructed east of the Marconi Wireless Operations building.  During WWI, while the U.S. Navy operated the station under authority of the Radio Act of 1912, upwards of 100 wireless operators were on duty at the station.  In addition, 100 Marine guards were on-duty at the station to protect again wartime saboteurs.   Possibly additional room was needed.  The building can be seen in a 1940 aerial photo as a rectangular structure.  In 1941 the Army remodeled the building and added an addition on the north side.  The building is of one story concrete block construction, a concrete floor, a wood framed roof with composite shingle roofing (Photo No. 165).  The condition of the building is very bad.  Leaks in the roof have developed into large holes allowing the elements to enter (Photo No. 166).  The partition walls have various holes, graffiti and damage.  All electrical fixtures, plumbing fixtures, heat units and copper pipe have been removed.  All windows and doors have been smashed.  To reduce vandalism all doors and windows have been covered with plywood secured with nails shot into the exterior masonry.  Once transfer is complete interior photos will be supplied.

Photos: 165 and 166.

Proposed Work

Maintain the floor layout as is.  Rehabilitate structure for use as a mixed community use facility.  This will require new electric, plumbing, interior walls, repairs to roof structure and new roof. Possible uses are; meeting space, ecology laboratory space for local schools, overnight riverside sleep-over use for scout groups.
Photo 165
Photo 166
Updated January 27, 2004    Page created July 4, 2002