Empty coal hoppers with fresh coats of black paint loom above along with the worn overhead crane from Pawling & Harnischfeger that was installed decades ago.
The circular steel machines used to crush coal into powder have been retrofitted into seating while the hulking pipes of the former intake system used to draw water from the adjacent Rock River provide the ultimate conversation piece for those using the nearby pool tables or waiting their turn for the batting cages.
There’s a swimming pool, fitness center, 160-seat auditorium, study areas, a cafe and fourth-floor event space for 200 people. An elevated indoor track for walking and running rims the facility while a 17,000-square-foot, glass-enclosed field house with artificial turf is scheduled to open in May.
This article was originally published by the Wisconsin State Journal.
