BRIDGEPORT, CT — The long-anticipated Bridgeport smokestack demolition has been officially scheduled for September 28, 2025, signaling a transformative moment for the city’s waterfront. The red-and-white striped tower, fondly referred to as the “candy cane,” has stood as a fixture of the city’s skyline for generations.
The 500-foot smokestack, once part of the now-decommissioned PSEG coal-fired power plant, will be taken down via controlled implosion in the early morning hours, specifically at 4 a.m., to minimize public disruption. The timing also coincides with the Soundside Music Festival at nearby Seaside Park, prompting additional safety measures.
Bridgeport Station Development, which acquired the 33-acre site, will oversee the full demolition and environmental remediation of the area. The redevelopment vision includes a mixed-use neighborhood with residential and commercial spaces, plus public access to the waterfront.
Despite public support—estimated at over 80%—for the Bridgeport smokestack demolition, Mayor Joe Ganim recently voiced opposition, advocating for preservation of the structure due to its cultural significance. However, developers Chad Parks and David Kreutz maintain that safety concerns and long-term maintenance costs make preservation impractical.
The state has committed $22.5 million from the Community Investment Fund to support the cleanup and revitalization project. As part of honoring the site’s legacy, the developers plan to host a farewell event, “Say Goodbye to the Stack Day,” inviting residents to share memories and take photographs before the demolition.
City leaders are also considering ways to preserve the smokestack’s memory—possibly through public art installations or reuse of materials in the new development.
As the countdown to the Bridgeport smokestack demolition begins, the city prepares to say goodbye to an iconic symbol while looking ahead to a reimagined future for its harborfront.
