More people are realizing the important role the Powell Avenue Steam Plant played in the growth and development of Birmingham.

Now, 120 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 historic 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 the nation’s historic places worthy of preservation.

The plant was built in 1895 by the Consolidated Electric Light & Power Company. It provided steam and electricity for downtown businesses and powered the nation’s second largest streetcar system.

The plant became part of the Birmingham Electric Company in 1921 and was acquired by Alabama Power in 1952 when the two companies merged. The plant was decommissioned by Alabama Power in 2013.

Although specific plans for the steam plant have not been finalized, preserving the historical integrity of the building is a priority. The ongoing stabilization work is geared toward making the historic structure ready for constructive reuse.

The area around the steam plant, known as the Parkside district, has seen tremendous growth in recent years, following the opening of Railroad Park and construction of Regions Field, the home of the minor league Birmingham Barons baseball team.

A Negro League baseball museum is slated to open later this year adjacent to Regions Field. New apartments, retail, office and restaurant projects are also under construction in the Parkside area.

Mark Crosswhite, chairman, president and CEO of Alabama Power, believes a redeveloped steam plant can be a potential catalyst for further economic growth in the city.

“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.”

Al.com featured a story on this announcement. Additional high resolution photos and videos can be found in this Flickr gallery.

–Michael Sznajderman