Rumors have been circulating for years about the decommissioned Roosevelt Island Steam Plant being demolished and what would be the future use of the site sitting next to the Roosevelt Island Tram Station and beneath the Queensboro Bridge.
Last August, 2024 I asked the NYC Housing and Preservation Department (HPD):
I understand that the ownership of the Roosevelt Island Steam Plant next to the Roosevelt Island Tram Station was recently transferred from long time owner NYC Health & Hospitals Corp to NYC Housing Preservation & Development.
Is that is true? What was the date and terms of the transfer?
Why was it transferred and what does this mean for any future development of the site?
A HPD spokesperson replied:
Pursuant to the City’s lease to RIOC, HPD, on behalf of the City, has maintained certain responsibilities with respect to the steam plant facility, including its ultimate demolition.”
This site has consistently been under City custodianship. No transfer has occurred. HPD will follow applicable regulations related to the demolition of the structure. Given the complicating factors -such as the tanks, a series of tunnels apparently below the structure- HPD is still assessing the costs and timelines associated with a demolition,
Earlier this week, a Roosevelt Island Tipster shared these photos and reported:
Heard a rumor they’re knocking the Steam Plant down. Know anything about it? One vehicle has a NYC License Plate.
I replied:
Rumors about the Steam Plant have been around ever since it was decommissioned after Goldwater was demolished for Cornell tech. There are currently jurisdictional disputes between the city and state over who owns it and is responsible for the demolition and environmental clean up. It’s also wrapped up in negotiations over the Master Lease.
Following up on the Tip, on Monday I asked HPD:
I’m following up on my inquiry last year regarding the Roosevelt Island steam plant.
As an update, I’ve been told there’s been a change in the status of the Steam Plant. According to sources, there was a site meeting for bidders last week in preparation for it’s demolition.
Is that true? Is there a RFP or similar document for the Steam Plant demolition? Can I get a copy of it?
Any comment from HPD?
Matt Rauschenbach, Press Secretary for HPD replied today:
Pursuant to the Declaration of Emergency by the Department of Buildings, HPD, as the agency responsible for demolishing the site on behalf of the City, has been preparing to conduct demolition activities at the site. Contractors are being actively solicited at this time to provide bids for the work, pursuant to the emergency procurement process of the City’s Procurement Policy Board Rules.”
I replied:
What is the emergency?
Can I get a copy of the Declaration
Here’s a 2013 look inside the Roosevelt Island Steam Plant.
At one time RIVAA Gallery proposed an adaptive reuse of the Steam Plant similar to the Tate Museum in London. In 2025, Roosevelt Island does not need any development that will attract even more tourist using the already overcrowded Roosevelt Island Tram.
Recently, David Kramer of the Hudson Companies speculated on potential future development of the Steam Plant.
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) declined to comment.
Will update when more information received.
The steam plant should be added as a historical site!
Yes! This would be an excellent idea.
Demolition will be a most complcated activity due to the adjoining tram station, tennjd bubble. Subway tunnel. Jnderground fuel storagd and being located on te East roadway.
Judith Berdy
Preservation, environmental safety and finding an alternative use that benefits the community is the way to go.
Itl’s been twelve years since the plant was decommissioned but now it’s an emergency to demolish it? Really? Until someone or some government entity comes up with a good idea for the building/site, leave it alone. it ain’t impacting the community and a botched tear-down could be devastating.
As of March 2026, demolition of the Steam Plant is moving forward despite serious community concerns. Residents are alarmed by the lack of publicly shared environmental and structural assessments, the absence of a Community Protection Plan, and lack of air monitoring information. There is growing fear about the potential spread of asbestos, lead, PCBs, oil-contaminated soil, and construction dust during demolition. Many in the community feel their repeated efforts to be included in decisions about the building’s future have been ignored.
Help us stop the demolition — sign the petition now: https://c.org/9wj2CCKrFh