Newman Machine Company-- RIP

Since 1837, Newman Machine Company, recently operating as Newman-Whitney, manufactured machinery for industrial purposes: textiles, wookworking, composite materials, plastics (read here). On March 25th, 2010, a public auction was held and everything was sold. On April 6, 2010, Greensboro's City Council approved the demolition of the College Hill industrial site to make way for a 219 student-housing apartment project (read here). Many College Hill residents did not welcome this change. However, with the developer agreeing to clean up underground contamination from leaking storage tanks and his commitment to revitalizing the vacant property, council approved the development 8-0. Wrecking company D.H. Griffin got the demolition contract and demolition is in full swing. Seems as if the ocean of buildings were here  yesterday and will be gone tomorrow. Presently, do not cross tape frames the perimeter. The windows glow from sea glass green to antique white as the sun sets literally and figuratively on Newman Machine Company.

We're sharing this with Weekend Reflections where, reflection in some form, is seen in all the photos.

 

Comments

[Dina]

Another one bites the dust.
The windows are still pretty though.

['Tsuki]

That is such an unsual sun reflection... Great catch !

[janis]

I am always sad to see these old structures torn down but then again, students need housing too.
The site just cries out for salvage. A glass artisan could make use of that wonderful old glass but the time and cost to remove it properly might be too high.
The bricks and industrial fittings all look interesting to me, they may be coated in toxins but I still like the way they look!
That must be how I collected all this stuff around here...it is lovely perhaps only to me'
Have a great weekend!

[EG Wow]

I really like the windows in this building!

[Pat]

Sadly, an end to another business. I like the sun reflecting through the windows.P

[Jack Hart]

Just to let you know what led to the dimise of Newman Machine;
Back in the 70's and 80's they started getting sued from people getting hurt on machines made in the early years of the company and gasp...the guards were missing!
Now think about that...the machine was made...and still running...but had been built one hundred to one hundred fifty years ago. Someone took the guards off...and now it is Newman Machines fault?
That is a large part of what is wrong with America today...a very successful company being brought to it's death by greedy lawyers!

[bigguns]

Thanks for the memories. I worked in this building for 20+ years. FYI: Newman is not "out of business". They relocated seven miles North of the city. The building was over 100 years old and falling apart. Family and city pressure caused the sell of the property to a company that builds student housing.