Bell Labs’ historic Holmdel facility still stands. The new owner, PREI, will hold its 2nd meeting with the community on August 30th between 7-9 pm at the Holmdel Senior Community Center, according to yesterday’s Asbury Park Press.
PREI (Preferred Real Estate Investments) bought the 472 acre property from Lucent in March, but can opt out before closing in August 2007. The company has publicly stated it intends to tear down the historic lab designed by famed architect Eero Saarinen and the home of Bell Labs for 40 years. Scientists in the lab discovered much of the communications technology we take for granted today. Sellsius, Engadget and other bloggers have supported preserving a portion of the lab for historic or educational purposes.
Here’s a view from Google Earth.
Related posts:
Bell Labs Focus Of Preservation Magazine
Help Save Bell Labs From The Wrecking Ball
Sellsius & Engadget Team to Save Bell Labs
Real Estate Developer Sensitive to Holmdel Lab Legacy
Bell Labs: Notable Bloggers Comment on the Story
Bell Labs Update: Letter from Re-Developer PREI
I was in that campus a few years ago after my company was acquired by LU. I gave myself a tour of old Labs building. I’m not usually a preservationist but man, there’s something viscerally exciting about the history on those grounds… the emergency hazmat showers in the hallways; a great photo collection on the walls… I could nerd-out in that place for hours.
Mike,
Did you happen to get any photos? I would love to post them.