Tesla Science Center Launches Emergency $3M Funding Drive After Fire

SHOREHAM, NY — Six days after a fierce blaze ripped through the Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe, hope rose from the ashes as officials gathered to announce plans to rebuild and finish renovations at the historic site.

The Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe, the last remaining laboratory of famed inventor Nikola Tesla, was damaged by a serious fire on November 21.

While the investigation is ongoing and the official report has not been issued, arson has been ruled out as a cause, officials said.

Situated on a 16.5-acre site on Long Island in New York, the multi-building facility — listed on the National Historic Register — is undergoing a thorough assessment by engineers and local officials to determine the full extent of fire-related damages, officials said.

And, with the goal to rebuild, the Center has launched an international $3 million "Mission Rebuild" Indiegogo fundraising campaign to pay for the new costs sparked by the fire.

Center officials had been preparing to commence a $20-million restoration and redevelopment of the historic laboratory complex, with demolition ongoing. The $3-million Indiegogo “Mission Rebuild” fund will be separate from the in-place redevelopment drive, officials said.

"Everyone associated with Tesla Science Center owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to the many heroic first responders for their extraordinary courage and determination," said TSCW Executive Director Marc Alessi. "We are immensely grateful for the commitment and bravery of our local firefighters."

More than 200 firefighters, from 17 local fire departments and ambulance corps, responded to the blaze, which was fully extinguished the next morning, Alessi said

The extent of damage is now being assessed by TSCW’s site engineer, the laboratory’s historical architect, a structural engineering firm, and multiple local agencies. Their analysis will help determine the fire’s specific impact on restoration plans, he said.

“While we were poised to begin a significant renovation and restoration project, construction had not yet commenced, sparing us from additional complexities at this stage," Alessi said.

Alessi noted that the overall structural integrity of the building, dating back to 1901, seemed to have largely withstood the fire’s effects.

"The public’s support and understanding in these challenging times are invaluable," Alessi
said. “If you’ve been inspired by Tesla 's life and career, you can take action by participating in
our Indiegogo ‘Mission Rebuild’ fundraising initiative. Together, we will navigate this crisis and emerge stronger, honoring the legacy of Nikola Tesla and the spirit of innovation, determination, and resiliency that this center embodies."

Nikola Tesla was the inventor of the motor that distributes alternating current, or AC, electricity,
and many other innovations. AC electricity serves as the basis for the power grid system, which
in turn allowed for the introduction of wi-fi, radio, remote controls, and robotics.

According to Tesla Science Center representatives the current investigation into the fire damage indicates that the northern side of the building, including the roof, steel girders, and a portion of a wall, has been affected. Our structural and historical engineers are conducting a comprehensive assessment, with results expected in the coming days. While most of the laboratory's core structure remains intact, "some elements have been irreparably lost," they said.

The fire primarily damaged the northern side of the building, including partial destruction of the roof, chimney, and cupola. Currently, water damage from firefighting efforts poses a significant short-term risk, officials said, adding that if the water that seeped into the walls freezes, they could crack and break.

"We urgently need funds to seal the roof and dry the building before winter sets in," officials said.

One firefighter was injured while battling the blaze, sustaining minor bruising after he fell off a ladder, officials said. "We are relieved and grateful that there were no serious injuries during the incident or in the firefighting efforts," officials said.

Looking at a timeline, Tesla officials said that because the fire occurred over a holiday weekend, the arrival of engineer was initially delayed.

"However, they managed to conduct a preliminary assessment the following day and are now preparing a more detailed report. This upcoming assessment will provide us with a clear action plan for preserving the laboratory," officials said.

Right after the fire, security teams, volunteers and team members galvanized to monitor the site; temporary fencing and warning signs have been put in place to secure appropriate areas, with access restricted to unauthorized individuals, especially in the regulated asbestos work area. A private security firm has been hired to monitor the site and ensure safety. Volunteers have also contributed to enhancing site security. Structural and historical engineers have assessed the damage and are developing plans for the immediate preservation of the laboratory, officials said.

No historical artifacts or documents were damaged in the fire, officials added.

"Fortunately, Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe's collection remained intact and undamaged," officials said.

TSC officials also discussed environmental impacts of the fire; environmental assessments are ongoing. "The original laboratory building, surveyed in 2014, had most accessible interior and some exterior asbestos materials removed. The main roof, which contains 0.5 percent to 2.2 percent asbestos, remained intact. While the fire could potentially release fibers from the non-friable roofing material, most of the roofing was not burned, with some intact and much peeled back by the force of water used during firefighting. The rainfall during and after the fire is believed to have helped minimize the spread of any airborne fibers. Remediation efforts will be guided by these assessments to address any environmental impact," officials said.

At the event, Alessi addressed those gathered, thanking firefighters. He said before the fire, the plans for renovations at the Tesla Science Center were moving ahead. "We were never in better shape," he said. Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone had just presented the Center with more than $1 million toward the project; of the $20 million goal, $14 million had been secured, leaving $6 million left to raise.

Now, damage from the fire has tacked on another $3 million to that total, bringing the amount needed to bring the project to completion to $9 million, he said.

Alessi added that on the night of the fire, flames reignited both at 2:30 a.m. and at 7:30 a.m. the following morning. "We were worried we were going to lose the lab that night," Alessi said.

He said without the firefighters, the story on Tuesday would have been far different.

Mark Thaler of Thaler and Associates, who specializes in historical architecture, also thanked the firefighters. "One thing we're extraordinarily grateful for is the work the firefighters did to make sure the fire got out before the building was lost," he said. "But thankfully, Nikola Tesla's original building was pretty much fireproof. The original brick walls are still standing," he said.

With some of the roof lost, work will be done to restore that aspect as soon as possible, he said.

New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo also spoke and said without the firefighters, the project would not stand posed to "come to fruition. We will rise from the ashes."

Palumbo pointed out that in Tesla's time, there was also a fire at the lab and he was bereft in his bed, until musicians put on a concert to lift his spirits. In the same vein, all involved have pledged to forge ahead and bring the renovations to completion, he said, adding that the Tesla Science Center is a treasure not just locally and nationally but worldwide.

New York State Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio also spoke. "It was devastating to see the Tesla Science Center on fire," she said, adding that she was happy to walk up Tuesday and see that the structure still had integrity and could be rebuilt — critical to ensuring that "our kids and families can continue to enjoy Tesla's legacy," she said.

Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner said the aerial shots of the building were "devastating. But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, this laboratory will rise, as well," she said.

Rocky Point Fire Chief Sean McCarrick was also lauded for his heroism.

"It was a tough night — wind, rain and very cold," he said. "But the firefighters did a great job."

Discussing the fundraising campaign, Alessi said an initial crowdfunding effort "saved this location from the wrecking ball" and that now, with an additional $3 million left to raise, he was urging all to spread the word.

"The best way to help right now is to donate," he said.

On another note, despite the devastating fire last week, plans for a beloved annual tree lighting at the historic Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe will go on as planned.

The event, which takes place Saturday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Wardenclyffe, located at 5 Randall Road in Shoreham, includes decorating, music, a DJ, festive exhibits and activities for all ages — plus a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, photos encouraged. The fun also includes a snow machine, exhibits, including a "brightening the holidays with electricity, Tesla coils, and lightning," as well as gift shopping and free cocoa and cookies.

"It’s a magical moment when we flip the switch at Wardenclyffe to light the trees and displays that attendees have decorated," organizers said.

Tickets are free; to register, click here.

To donate to the Indiegogo campaign, click here.