It is accessed via Farnsworth Street, down a steep slope to the waterfront, and is set on basically level terrain between the river and a railroad right-of-way.

The property (as of 1975) included a brick headhouse, from which three sets of rails descended into the river.

Two steam engines powered heavy chain winches (with a capacity of 1000 and 4000 deadweight tons respectively) for hauling boats out of the water.

It was built by Thomas Chappell, who operated a fleet of tugs and barges for hauling coal, to service his ships at the Thames Tow Boat Company.

Wronowski had fought the acquisition of the property, and was later given a waterfront area on Ferry Street in compensation,[3] from which the Thames Shipyard operates.