Page 28 - Demo

26A Landmark ClosesIn mid-2007, the Citizens Gas and Coke Utility announced it would close its coke manufacturing plant in Indianapolis. The facility%u2014a landmark on Prospect St.%u2014was originally built in 1908 to produce both coke and gas from coal.Coke%u2014a manufactured product%u2014is burned in steel mills, blast furnaces, and foundries. Considered a better fuel than coal, it releases fewer sulphurous compounds and creates less smoke. Coke is derived from coal that is baked at high temperatures. During this process, water, coal-gas, and coal-tar are driven off as byproducts. The coal-tar can be processed further into a variety of marketable materials. The other principle by-product, coal-gas (also called cokeoven gas, or manufactured gas), can be used to heat homes and businesses.Until the 1950s, most of Indianapolis was heated with coal-gas that was produced at this location. Then, when natural gas arrived in the area from other parts of the country through interstate pipelines, the coal-gas operation began to be phased out. By 1998, natural gas had completely replaced coal-gas for heating homes and businesses. The coke itself remained a viable product%u2014until foreign competition led to a declining market shareWhen I photographed the plant, it was in the process of being decommissioned. Then, any environmental problems that remained would be cleaned up. Finally, because Citizens couldn%u2019t find a buyer for the operation, it would be razed. The closing is bittersweet for the 300 employees who will need to find new jobs. But others in the neighborhood are looking forward to a time when the odors emanating from the manufacture of coke, coal-gas, and all the other products, will be gone. For them, it will, literally, be a breath of fresh air. Citizens Gas & Coke Plant, Indianapolis%u2014Marion Co. (798.09)Citizens Gas & Coke Plant, Indianapolis%u2014Marion Co. (797.14)