BLDG I
Select A Building Gallery
Bldg F(High) - Large Fan Housings Bldg I - Powerhouse Bldg N - Dust Lab Bldg O - Fan Inlets Bldg F(Low) - Foundry/Large Fan Mfg Bldg D - Machine Shop Bldg C - Original Fan Shop Bldg K - Small Fans Bldg G Bldg E - Pattern Shop/Test Labs Bldg B - Electrical Dept/Testing Bldg A - Main Office
AERIALS
Date Built:1903

Purpose:A pair of 250kv Sturtevant generator sets were the Powerhouse workhorses until a 1950 coal-to-oil conversion occurred. A large adjacent coal pit was also filled in at that time. In 1972, an underground pipe burst incinerating a boiler attendant with 600 degree F steam.

Just to the left of the powerhouse was a Sturtevant designed Vacuum Spin Chamber, known by workers as "The Pit". It could take wheels up to 103" diameter. By exhausting air from this chamber, rotors were run at speeds necessary to prove weldments or stress of wheel components. It was sold to Mid South Steel of Missouri after the factory closed.

Currently: It was saved from the wrecking ball and will become the home of Roundhead Brewing Co.

New signage after Westinghouse took over.
1950
The upper portion of the powerhouse with the two original 250kv Sturtevant generating sets.
1945
Nice yard shot with the powerhouse in the background.
1946
Rotor lowered into the 'Pit'.
1976
Coal shovelers in the basement.
1945
In the foreground is a long row of unused rust-covered fan shafts.
1976
Post-closure derelict condition.
1990
Post-closure derelict condition.
1990
Post-closure derelict condition.
1990
Rear view with Bldg W on the left.
1980
Engineers from the Dust Lab taking readings on the roof.
1940
Coal tractor filling bin which is connected to the powerplant by a bucket elevator.
1944
New signage after Westinghouse took over.
1950
The upper portion of the powerhouse with the two original 250kv Sturtevant generating sets.
1945
Nice yard shot with the powerhouse in the background.
1946
Rotor lowered into the 'Pit'.
1976
Coal shovelers in the basement.
1945
In the foreground is a long row of unused rust-covered fan shafts.
1976
Post-closure derelict condition.
1990
Post-closure derelict condition.
1990
Post-closure derelict condition.
1990
Rear view with Bldg W on the left.
1980
Engineers from the Dust Lab taking readings on the roof.
1940
Coal tractor filling bin which is connected to the powerplant by a bucket elevator.
1944