• Largest electricity generating plant in the world when built in 1892
• Original power source for first Boston elevated railway
• Redevelopment could fill in the noman's-land between Chinatown and the South End
Historic Boston Incorporated 1999 Preservation Revolving Fund Casebook : Property
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| Boston Elevated Railway Central Power Station | South End |
| • Magnificent
Richardsonian Romanesque industrial building • Largest electricity generating plant in the world when built in 1892 • Original power source for first Boston elevated railway • Redevelopment could fill in the noman's-land between Chinatown and the South End |
|
| Name: Boston Elevated Railway Central Power Station | Bldg SqFt: 50,625 | Lot SqFt: 259,627 | |
| Address: 540A Harrison Avenue | Ward: 3 | Parcel: 6509 | |
| Neighborhood: South End | Zoning: Economic Development Area North | ||
| Year Built: 1892 | Use: Garage | ||
| Style: Romanesque/ Gothic Revival | Condition: Fair | ||
| Architect(s): William G. Preston | Owner: GTI Properties 560 Harrison Avenue Boston, MA 02118 |
||
| Historic Certification: South End National Register Historic District and in the protection area contiguous to the South End Landmark District | |||
| FY99 Building Assessment: $1,461,500 FY02 Building Assessment: $1,257,500 |
FY99 Tax: N/A | ||
| FY99 Land Assessment: $1,677,000 FY02 Land Assessment: $1,912,500 |
Tax Status: Current | ||
Preservation Strategy:
Since there is no immediate neighborhood constituency for this building, preservation groups should monitor progress to assure that this monumental landmark is re-used in a way that revitalizes its neighborhood.
Significance:
The Central Power Station was the largest electric generating facility in the world when it opened in 1892. This massive brick structure served as the primary source of power first for the West End Street Railway and, after 1899, the Boston Elevated Railway. By 1904 the Central Power Station housed nine giant steam engines and had a capacity to produce 14,400 kilowatts of direct current (DC) electric power. The Boston Elevated Railway converted to alternating current (AC) in 1911, and replaced the South End facility with a new AC facility on East First Street in South Boston. Since that time the Central Power Station building has served Boston’s various public transportation entities as a maintenance shop. Although none of the original generating equipment survives on-site, the Central Power Station remains a remarkable example of 19th century industrial architecture.
Preservation Challenges:
The Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority has tentatively designated GTI Properties to acquire this site for redevelopment. The purchase process appears to be in the due diligence phase. There are apparently no preservation stipulations beyond conforming with Federal, State, and City environmental laws. Removal of hazardous waste is necessary before new development.
Neighborhood Context:
The Power Station is located in a once highly industrialized portion of the South End near Chinatown. Like other parts of the South End, this area is also experiencing rapid redevelopment. The property is bordered by the elevated Southeast Expressway and is on the site of a 24-hour MBTA bus maintenance facility.
Other Sources of Information:
MBTA Invitation to Bid, 12/97; MHC South End industrial area form
Entry Completed: 06/02/1999
GTI Properties purchased the building from the MBTA in 1999 and is currently using the building for automobile parking and storage. Over the past two years GTI Properties has stabilized the north and south sides of the building by repointing, repairing the masonry, installing new copper gutters, and relaying slate on the outside roof pitches. Graham Gund Architects, Inc. is advising GTI Properties on these stabilization efforts. Although GTI Properties does not have specific rehabilitation plans for the building at this time, repair work on the front and rear facades will continue as time and resources permit. GTI's focus is on rehabilitating industrial buildings in Boston's South End and currently has over one million square feet of office and retail space in this area.
Update Entry Completed: 07/30/2002