The Al Tech Steel factory
Ick. But, you know, also kind of beautiful.
Sebastien, B and Paul's Urban Decay Tour of the (Greater) Capital Regionâ„¢ continues with a stop at the Al Tech Steel factory in Menands. From Sebastien's photo set:
Allegheny Ludlum Steel, an abandoned steel mill in Menands, NY. It took us more than 2 hours to expore this enormous site. According to this discussion online, it's a Class 2 Superfund Site, which means it poses a significant threat to public health and the environment. Some cleanup has been done but more is planned. It closed in 1999, and is currently listed as a hazardous waste facility by the EPA.
Here's B's photo set. And here's Paul's.
There's some oddly beautiful -- and creepy -- stuff in there.
photo: Sebastien B
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Comments
My grandfather used to work at Al Tech as an accountant after he graduated from Siena in the 50's. It's amazing how the place has changed since he retired. I am sure he would be surprised to see the current state of the plant.
As a land use planner, I love the series on abandoned architectural landmarks. Keep them coming!
... said Dave on Dec 17, 2009 at 9:17 PM | link
love the photos! glad you went there so I didn't have to, looks kind of toxic.
... said osuperman on Dec 18, 2009 at 9:23 AM | link
Thanks Dave, they're interesting to shoot too. If anyone knows of any locations we haven't been to yet, please pass the info along so we can check it out!
... said B on Dec 18, 2009 at 9:41 AM | link
@B I think you can get some pretty interesting pics of our basement. And the decay between our yard and our neighbors.
... said Lola on Dec 18, 2009 at 1:49 PM | link
Yeah that's a different kind of "urban decay". A "discarded bike tour of Albany" would take me months to compile.
... said B on Dec 18, 2009 at 4:20 PM | link
Great pictures ---I can't take my eyes off that place when I drive by. And this interesting line comes from the EPA report on the site:
"The facility is fenced and secured so trespassers are not expected to come in contact with contaminated soils and structures."
http://www.epa.gov/Region2/waste/fsrealco.pdf
... said Rob on Dec 19, 2009 at 5:42 AM | link
My father, Frank Muscatell, was a founding member of Al Tech. This company provided our family with a decent life.
Dad died last year and I will miss him dearly.
I worked there in 1975-1982 as a laborer and in the MetLab.
I remember the good times. Fred and Tony in the Lab, Frank, Mayo, Bernie while we cleaned out under the rolling mill thru the middle of the night. Hot and sweaty. Rocky Tata, Mr. Netowski and his beautiful daughter Mary, Mike Cocca. My father was a great man. Thanks dad for working so hard for us and providing us with a future.
I am old now and I miss my youth. Now the world is full of too many people and too much laziness. All leading to hate and selfishness. Thanks dad for showing me an honest life.
Daniel Muscatell
... said Daniel Muscatell on Sep 10, 2012 at 10:22 PM | link
Who actually owns the buildings/property now? Ive been in there mant times over the years after Tubacex bought it.
... said Dan Coler on Sep 19, 2013 at 8:14 AM | link
My dad worked there for almost 50 years total !! He passed a few years back. I never got to see inside the plant. I often would pick him up at the guard entrance but never any further inside. Nice to see even today what the factory looks like. I can imagine him being in all of those places, he worked all over the plant. Thanks for posting.
... said Jim Loiselle on Aug 30, 2016 at 3:17 PM | link
My father started working there when he was discharged from the Korean War as a mail clerk. Worked there 44 years and retired as Vice Pres. of Operations. I worked there to for about 14 years starting in early 1974. I made a lot of really good friends there but what I remember most is the New Years parties, Xmas parties ect ..... All the Allegheny Ludlum Steel / Al-tech managers, Don McCarter, Frank Muscatell,Tom Gorman, Adolf Lena, Ron Netoski, they were a tight knit group of guys. Something you don't see anymore. I live in Florida now but the last time I was in New York, I drove past the old plant. I wanted to smile and cry at the same time !!
... said Dave Teta on Jan 5, 2017 at 6:56 PM | link
dave i remember you very well sat at tube reducer and watched you do your thing. repected your dad tough but fair.. hope all is well.
... said john gernon on Feb 16, 2018 at 11:16 PM | link