Issue link: http://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/452111
More people are realizing the important role the Powell Avenue Steam Plant played in the growth and development of Birmingham. One-hundred-twenty years after its construction, the federal government has officially recognized the historic significance of the steam plant. The Powell Avenue plant recently joined other important sites in Birmingham on the National Register of Historic Places. Established in 1966 and administered through the National Park Service, the National Register of Historic Places is the official list of America's most treasured historical sites. The plant was built in 1895 by the Consolidated Electric Light & Power Co. It provided steam and electricity for downtown businesses, and powered the nation's second largest streetcar system. The Powell Avenue plant became part of Birmingham Electric Co. in 1921 and was acquired by Alabama Power in 1952 when the companies merged. The plant was decommissioned by Alabama Power in 2013. Although plans for the steam plant restoration are not final, preserving the historical integrity of the building is a priority. Ongoing stabilization work is geared toward making the historic structure ready for constructive reuse. The area around the Powell Avenue plant, known as the Parkside district, has seen tremendous growth in recent years following the opening of Railroad Park and Regions Field, the home of the Birmingham Barons. A Negro League baseball museum is slated to open this year adjacent to Regions Field. New apartments, retail, office and restaurant projects are under construction in the Parkside area alongside Powell Avenue Steam Plant. "Having the Powell Avenue Steam Plant placed on the National Register of Historic Places reaffirms the importance of this building in the history of Birmingham," said Mark Crosswhite, Alabama Power chairman, president and CEO. "We believe a redeveloped Powell Avenue Steam Plant can be a catalyst for even more economic growth in the city." By Michael Sznajderman HISTORY Powell Avenue Steam Plant joins prestigious U.S. listing 2 Top left: Powell Avenue Steam Plant from Second Avenue South. Top right: Workers inspect generator, circa 1953. Bottom left: Restoration currently underway. Bottom right: Thomson astatic ammeter gauges from operational days. In the mid-20th century, the plant was at the epicenter of a bustling downtown Birmingham.