Georgetown Steam Plant

The Georgetown Steam Plant is a historical building, and it is important to preserve the main historical facade. The addition was placed on the opposite side of the building as a new community entrance. To visually communicate the new from the old, glass and steel were used to contrast the plant’s poured-in-place concrete.

The plant is an impressive part of engineering history with unique equipment and cathedral-like spaces. To honor and display the steam plant’s impressiveness, most of the equipment was preserved, and duplicates were adapted for the community. Access was designed so the community could experience and see the complex and distinctive areas. Access to areas like the coal hoppers and the inside of the boilers.

The turbine room was maintained, but the boilers are mirrored along a centered hall, creating the opportunity to adapt the east side of the boiler hall and preserve the west half, which receives the most light. This provides stunning effects and shadows to the equipment. New openings and floors were added to frame the plant’s systems and highlight the extraordinary spaces.