08/26/2026
Hidden History of The Agitated Grape 🏚️
These pipes in the basement are part of the building’s original steam heating system, or at least remnants of it.
* The large vertical pipes dropping down with flanged connections are characteristic of old steam or hot-water boiler piping.
* The white material around the fittings looks like old pipe insulation or insulation cement, which was commonly used on steam pipes to reduce heat loss. In buildings of this age, that insulation sometimes contained asbestos, so it shouldn’t be disturbed without testing.
* The flanged joints (bolted connections) are common on old heating systems.
* It’s possible that some of the old boiler piping remains in place simply because removing it would have been expensive and unnecessary after the heating system was modernized.
We love discovering and sharing the history that makes The Agitated Grape such a unique place. 🍇🏛️
