Date Set To Demolish Cordage Smokestack In Plymouth

PLYMOUTH, MA — The 123-year-old iconic smokestack hidden against the coastline in the back of Plymouth's Cordage Park will be demolished the week of May 9, officials said Thursday.

With safety concerns and a high risk of collapse, the Plymouth Building and Fire Departments have deemed the smokestack to be a public hazard, and the property is required to take action to take it down.

"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."

The Town of Plymouth says they plan to memorialize the smokestack in some way, and exact plans are being evaluated by the Plymouth Community Preservation Committee and Cordage Commerce Center to be revealed at a later date.

Because of the advanced state of decay, the town's demolition delay bylaw is not applicable, and the Massachusetts Historical Commission supports the demolition/dismantling.

"We have also asked the contractor to take internal images of the structure as they proceed so that we can catalogue how it was constructed," Ligouri added. "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."