The Town of Plymouth, the Plymouth Community Preservation Committee and Cordage Commerce Center are collaborating on plans to memorialize the Cordage Smokestack located at Cordage Commerce Center in North Plymouth, after it was discovered that the smokestack was a public hazard and needed to be removed.
Issues were uncovered during an initial survey and subsequent evaluation by a structural engineer, who said there were significant deficiencies in place throughout the entire length of the smokestack. The Plymouth Building and Fire Departments have deemed the property is required to take prompt action to comply with Town Ordinances. Additionally, the Massachusetts Historical Commission has approved the emergency removal orders, and work can proceed to ensure the safety of people coming to enjoy the waterfront, marina, and Seaside Rail Trail.
“The findings and extent of the deterioration was completely unexpected,” said Cordage Commerce Center Property Manager Kristin Ligouri. “We are dismayed to see the removal of such a familiar and beloved structure within our property. It is with much appreciation that the Town of Plymouth and the Plymouth Community Preservation Committee are collaborating with us to memorialize the smokestack and its prominent contribution to Plymouth’s maritime history.”
“The entire Cordage Commerce Center team is just as saddened as the Plymouth community that the smokestack has to come down,” said Betty Cavacco, member of the Plymouth Selectboard. “The team has been extremely cooperative and we’re looking forward to collaborating on this project with the Cordage Commerce Center team, the Community Preservation Committee and the Plymouth community.”
Exact plans for memorializing the smokestack will be announced at a later date. The structure is tentatively scheduled to be removed on May 9, 2022 to ensure the safety of all tenants and visitors to the area.
Cordage Commerce Center is a 55-acre waterfront property in Plymouth that consists of 350,000-square-feet of renovated turn-of-the-century mill space.
