The Moran FRAME is an iconic landmark and public space at Waterworks Park in Burlington, Vermont.
The existing Moran Plant generated electricity for the City of Burlington with a coal-fired and then wood-burning system from 1954 to 1986 when it was decommissioned. In 1982, the ownership was transferred to the City. Since then, the City has attempted to redevelop the property for the benefit of the public.
The footprint of the existing Moran Plant is approximately 12,500 SF. It has three major roof levels, with (1) at 35′ high, (2) at 50′ high, and (3) at 80′ high. The existing building has a full cast-in-place concrete basement, and the exterior walls consist of CMU block backup walls with an exterior brick veneer face.
Phase one of the project entailed the removal of all of the building’s brick façade, down to the structural steel skeleton, with the intention of preserving this community icon, leaving an open-air pavilion to complement existing park uses.
The project included the remediation of lead and PCB contaminants from the building. The basement level of the structure was infilled, and the existing structural steel frame was stabilized, painted red, and topped with the original City of Burlington sign. Additionally, lighting was installed throughout. From dusk to 10 p.m., white lights will illuminate; on the hour, the lights will change to blue, white, and green, representative of Burlington, Vermont’s flag.
