Conrad and The Steamplant

Photographer and filmmaker Dustin Cohen paints a striking portrait of Pratt Institute’s chief engineer in his latest work, Conrad and The Steamplant. The video follows the story of 79-year-old Conrad Milster, who starting in 1965 became one of only four to hold his position at the Brooklyn campus power plant in its 127-year history. Standing below several floors of drawing and painting studios, the nineteenth century steam engines provide heat and hot water throughout the Brooklyn campus to this day thanks to Milster’s loving care. His gentle nature is extended to the stray cats that call Pratt’s warm engine room and spacious green their home; fed and fostered by Milster himself, the so-called “Pratt Cats” play an integral part in the school’s eccentric culture. Beautifully shot and expertly edited, Cohen’s film is a just tribute to the underappreciated, warmhearted man who after six decades behind the scenes has kept Pratt running smoothly.  Watch the video here.