Public P(arts)

Those who love old workshops and tools would appreciate how these long out-of-commission parts are now being used.

Some local builders in my area created a small shopping and restaurant area on the grounds of a former Power Substation, and upcycled many of parts to decorate its small plaza area.

Rusty gears, an old drill press and scale, and pieces of what looks like transformers, nozzles, molding machine parts and bus bars make up much of the infrastructure as well as decor.

It's always nice to see other people enjoying the work that goes into making tools and individual parts, as well as giving them a nice resting place outside of of the junk yard.

Text: Lisa Kay Tate

An old drill press, no longer usable, but still an impressive piece of workmanship. Image: Rick Tate

An old drill press, no longer usable, but still an impressive piece of workmanship. Image: Rick Tate

Nothing was polished up or made to look "new". The natural erosion and rust made these pieces even more appealing. Image: Rick Tate

Nothing was polished up or made to look "new". The natural erosion and rust made these pieces even more appealing. Image: Rick Tate

People (like my kids) were taking advantage of the beauty of these old parts among the natural landscaping for photo ops. They were rust-covered too by the time we got home. Image: Rick Tate

People (like my kids) were taking advantage of the beauty of these old parts among the natural landscaping for photo ops. They were rust-covered too by the time we got home. Image: Rick Tate