The Georgetown Steam Plant is also an early example of reinforced concrete construction, one whose design combines very subdued Neo-Classical stylistic elements with the practical needs of an industrial building. Seattle Electric Company constructed this new power plant so that they could provide power during "peak demand" because consumers quickly became heavily reliant on electricity and were intolerant of power failures. This new power plant, along with exclusive operation of the street railway system, gave the Seattle Electric Company an advantage in the intense competition with other local power companies. The Georgetown Steam Plant discontinued service in 1972, but it still illustrates the history of electricity's expansion into the everyday lives of Americans. The Seattle Electric Company Georgetown Steam Plant, a National Historic Landmark, is located at the intersection of S Warsaw Street and Ellis Avenue S. just North of the King County International Airport. It is open to the public on the second Saturday of the month, 10 a.m. to 2 p..m.. For more information about visiting the Georgetown Steam Plant or general inquiries, please call 206-763-2542 or visit the Georgetown Steam Plant website. |
Photographs by Jacob Thomas |
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