Save The John Roebling Wirerope Workshop

You may have heard of John Roebling, the engineer, entrepreneur and innovator who perfected the wirerope cable and designed and built suspension bridges, including the Brooklyn Bridge.

You can help save not only what is the John Roebling Wirerope Workshop building but also “the birthplace of the Wirerope Industry in America."

The wirerope workshop is believed to have been built 185 years ago in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania, a town which John Reobling co-founded. This is where John Roebling perfected the wirerope cable. Many historians say the building is also an example of a German settlers’ house, which they would build until they built larger homes or work/home structures. However, this was never used as a house by Roebling. It was always a workshop/office. And it was originally built at the corner of North Rebecca and Water Streets in Saxonburg. It was used by John Roebling from 1838 until he left in 1849 for New Jersey. In the mid-1970's the workshop was moved to its current location within Roebling Park in Saxonburg. After the move to its current location in 1974/75, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania submitted paperwork to have the building placed on the National Register of Historic Places as of November 1976.

So here is the problem. Simple and straightforward. The stone foundation that was used when the building was moved to its current location is falling away. It may have been happening over the last 10 years but definitely noticeable since 2017. The foundation was not constructed for the long-term. As a result the building is tilting.

In 2022, the Borough of Saxonburg sought bids to study the building’s condition and come up with a plan and estimate for saving the building. Saxonburg’s own Etzel Engineer & Build has submitted a plan.

Etzel's engineers and specialists studied the building and developed a detail plan to build a new foundation and improve water erosion issues. This includes raising the building while a new concrete foundation and pad will be constructed.

The estimate to complete the construction work ranges from $234,000 to $254,000.

So, steps must be taken to preserve this historic structure and prevent its collapse. And to do so, we know donations and grants will be necessary to fund the construction.

We know economic conditions are challenging. Any donation amount can help meet the goal to preserve this historic building for future generations.

If you prefer, please send a check to Friends of Saxonburg Museum, PO Box 17, Saxonburg, PA 16056.

Thank you!