Disney’s Bob Iger Building Causes Closure of Historic NYC Fire Museum

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Construction work by Disney might unwittingly demolish the historic New York Fire Museum, a place that celebrates the history and tradition of the New York City Fire Department.

The construction of the recently built Disney headquarters at 7 Hudson Square, known as The Robert A. Iger Building, is reportedly responsible for approximately $6 million worth of structural damage to the adjacent New York City Fire Museum. This unfortunate incident has necessitated the museum’s temporary closure for nearly a year.

NYC Fire Museum in danger of shutting for good after Disney construction damage

— New York Post (@nypost) April 5, 2025

As a devoted cinema-goer, I can’t help but share my awe for this historic gem, nestled within a 120-year-old Beaux-Arts firehouse. Inside, it holds over 30,000 captivating artifacts that tell tales of yesteryears. One such story is the poignant memorial dedicated to the brave 343 firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice in September 2001.

Currently, it remains quiet, fractured, and roped off – all the while the structure named for Disney’s CEO gleams with pride nearby.

Based on a lawsuit filed by the city, it’s claimed that intense vibrations from Disney’s construction work made the fire museum building precariously unstable. One morning in May, staff who were preparing for a party with 30 children heard loud noises and felt the floor weaken under their feet, prompting them to evacuate in haste. Since then, the museum has been closed, losing ticket sales and struggling to stay afloat financially.

According to Patti Murphy, the Executive Director, the museum finds itself in a critical situation, struggling to maintain its valuable collection and serve the public. In an attempt to keep the lights on, the museum will initiate an emergency fundraising drive. Simultaneously, Disney has opened their 1.2 million-square-foot skyscraper, boasting solar panels, green technology, and live event studios, for business operations.

A Priceless Legacy at Risk

The NYC Fire Museum isn’t merely an ordinary collection of memorabilia; instead, it serves as a revered sanctuary for New York’s most heroic figures – its firefighters. Within this 1904 firehouse, you will find more than 30,000 artifacts dating back through the centuries: from remnants of bucket brigades that predated fire hoses to a 1901 La France coal-fired steam engine, and modern rescue equipment such as the Jaws of Life.

In my humble opinion, this film holds an emotionally resonant monument to the 343 brave firefighters who tragically lost their lives during the World Trade Center incident in September 2001. This tribute stands as a lasting testament to the courage and selflessness that has become an integral part of New York City’s heart and spirit.

Now, due to the hasty construction of a building named after Bob Iger, which is situated next door, his legacy is temporarily on hold.

Murphy is hastily trying to safeguard the invaluable collection from any more damage. However, the museum is compact, financially strapped, and lacks the experts or facilities for extensive preservation or relocation projects. If immediate aid isn’t provided, the entire collection – irreplaceable artifacts – might be left to decay with time.

A Shrine, Not a Tribute

Buildings often get named after Disney executives following their departure, such as The Michael D. Eisner Building, which was renamed by Iger when Eisner left the company. Similarly, The Frank G. Wells Building was dedicated posthumously by Eisner. However, in this unique instance, Bob Iger decided to put his name on Disney’s new East Coast HQ while he was still in a position of power.

The structure wasn’t named after Walt Disney, nor was it an homage to his role as the company’s founder or a tribute to its significant history in New York City. It was simply known as “Bob,” presumably referring to someone else by that name.

The irony lies in the fact that New York City is where it all began — Steamboat Willie, the first appearance of Mickey Mouse, took place in Manhattan. Walt Disney himself showcased groundbreaking technologies at the 1964 World’s Fair, which was only a short distance from our current headquarters. However, instead of acknowledging the man who founded the company, Disney prefers to celebrate an executive who acquired intellectual properties as if they were becoming scarce — allowing Main Street to deteriorate in the process.

Damage, Denial, and Disney

As Disney’s development partners, Hudson Square Realty, Skanska Inc., and Lendlease US Construction face potential lawsuits from the city, Disney maintains a defensive posture, presenting more public relations than actual responsibility. A representative for Disney has stated that the company is cooperating with the city and labels the lawsuit as merely a standard legal procedure. Essentially, they are implying that there’s no cause for concern.

However, there’s much to observe: enormous fissures on the pavement, an estimated $6 million worth of destruction, and a museum hanging by a thread – all against the backdrop of Bob Iger’s name shining brightly in the New York City skyline.

If the museum remains closed, it’s not only a detriment to preserving history; it also means a diminishment of honor, camaraderie, and esteem for the genuine heroes who served our city in the past.

As far as I’m concerned, their ideas don’t align with Iger’s concept of Disney. It seems that for an idea to find a place there, it needs to either fit neatly into a shareholder presentation or have potential for merchandising.

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2025-04-08 00:55