Boeing demolishes historic Plant 2, formerly U.S. Air Force 17, in site-restoration project

Posted by Courtney E. Howard

Boeing (NYSE:BA) has begun site restoration activities that will include development of a five-acre wildlife habitat, by demolishing the last remaining steel structures that supported Plant 2--Boeing’s second assembly site, which was formerly known as U.S. Air Force 17--for more than 75 years. The now-demolished plant was important to the 1940s war effort, with 30,000 people building up to 300 aircraft a month, including the B-17 and B-52 bombers. Known as the birthplace of America's airpower from World War II to the Cold War, it was home to Rosie the Riveter, women working then-nontraditional factory jobs. Boeing is working with local museums, such as the Museum of Flight and the Museum of History and Industry, to ensure its history will be remembered.

Boeing plans environmental improvements likely to prove vital to the Duwamish Waterway, including: a half mile of shoreline restored to its natural habitat; a resting area for migratory fish, such as salmon; more than 200,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment excavated and replaced with clean material; and new stormwater treatment systems at Plant 2 and North Boeing Fieldto prevent recontamination of the waterway. More than 85 percent of the building will be recycled or reused, including steel beams, copper wiring, wood, and concrete, says a spokesperson.