The Gas Tank
Tuesday, 7th June 2005 by Alex Turnbull
Check out this giant liquefied natural gas tank that sits just to the side of the Southeast Expressway in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Ironcladlou (who is now on his fourth posted submission!) says:
The gas tank (as it's known 'round these parts) used to have a twin, which sat where the blank circle is just to the left of it. Originally, the now-demolished tank was the one with the rainbow painting, and when they destroyed it, they then painted the previously unadorned one. Another interesting tidbit, the gas tank is the largest piece of copyrighted artwork in the world.
About the author
Alex has decided that his title will be Senior Vice President of Stuff.
Huge gas tanks of that type – though without the artwork, of course – used to be much more common in the United States than they are today. Most have been demolished over the past decade or so. I believe that technological changes in gas distribution makes the tanks obsolete.
It’s the Ho Chi Minh tank!
Looks like the “big dig” is nearby. Would be nice if someone local would comment on it, especially since Google Maps shows it as completed now, but Google Sattellite shows it in progress…
The “big dig”? Took me a while to understand what you were talking about TD. Correct me if I am wrong but you are talking about is how Boston redid their high ways.
From the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority: Boston, Massachusetts had a world-class traffic problem, an elevated six-lane highway called the Central Artery that ran through the center of downtown. When it opened in 1959, the Central Artery comfortably carried about 75,000 vehicles a day. It has carried upwards of 200,000, quite uncomfortably, making it one of the most congested highways in the United States.
The solution: Replacing the six-lane elevated highway with an eight-to-ten-lane underground expressway directly beneath the existing road, culminating at its northern limit in a 14-lane, two-bridge crossing of the Charles River. After the underground highway opened to traffic, the crumbling elevated was demolished and in its place will be open space and modest development.
The full story on this project can be found here http://www.masspike.com/bigdig/background/index.html
there was a big hue and cry when the tank artwork (originally on the other tank) was revealed, since the blue stripe shows a profile of ho chi minh. there was a smaller hue and cry when the artwork was reproduced on the other tank (after the first one was destroyed) and the profile was still there.
judging by the state of ramp construction leading into the big dig area, i’d say that this set of pictures dates to no later than 1999.
Wow, that was the quickest I’ve seen you guys move. I posted that yesterday! 🙂
Oh, and the big dig still isn’t finished. We’re getting there. The Zakim Bridge is done, the central artery is done, but there’s still a few years of work left on it, as I understand.
There you go here’s the Big Dig..
View Placemark
I tried to post it but it took me too long so I thought it’s better this way to post it….
Check out this boat’s wake as it passes Fort Independnce Park. That thing appears to really be movin’!
View Placemark
I grew up around the corner from the gas tank(s). It was sad to see one go, but I am really glad they repainted the artwork on it.
As far as the Big Dig. One day it will be cool, but there are too many problems due to lack of signage, lanes being closed, leaks in the tunnel.
The coolest thing about Boston is the 4th of July from the Esplanade. Here’s where you’ll find me:
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=42.356801,-71.073829&spn=0.010450,0.013089&t=k&hl=en
They actually stripped all the paint off the old tank before the knocked it down. They took the chips and encased them in some sorta acrylic and sold them on tv and a few auctions as paperweights.
I’ve been by that tank a bunch of times, but I still can’t see the face in the blue stripe, my roomate does though.
(posted March 2006)
Google Maps STILL doesn’t have the Big Dig satellite photos even close. And they still have the Fleet Center (now the TD Banknorth Garden).
Not sure of the date of the photos, but the Zakim Bridge opened March 2003. Maybe not as far back as 1999, but at least 3-4 years old.
Time for a new satellite pass. Or maybe they are waiting for trees to be planted on the Greenway.
Boston Bob
looks like absolutley nothin 2 me if i have a say so
The art work was done by Sister Corita(1918-1986; originally Mary Corita Kent), a well-known former nun who became a graphic designer and artist in the 1960’s, after teaching in a private school.