Hell's Kitchen Power Station Becomes Landmark

HELL'S KITCHEN, NY — An early 20th century Hell's Kitchen power station was designated an individual landmark by the city Landmarks Preservation Commission this week.

The LPC voted Tuesday to landmark the Interborough Rapid Transit Company Powerhouse — which occupies and entire city block bounded by West 58th and 59th streets between 11th and 12th avenues — the commission announced in a press release. The power station was built in 1904 and is still operational, the commission said.

"This building is both an engineering feat and an architectural treasure that has endured for over a hundred years," LPC Chair Meenakshi Srinivasan said in a statement. "Our designation will ensure its long-term presence and enhance the streetscape with the majesty and craftsmanship of this beloved historic icon."

When the IRT Powerhouse was completed in 1904 its main functions was to generate power for New York City's original subway system, according to an LPC press release. The system was one of the first to use electricity as a main power source and needed a massive powerhouse with a waterfront location for the easy delivery of coal. The IRT Powerhouse was capable of generating 100,000 horsepower and holding more than 30 million pounds of coal, making it one of the most technically sophisticated power stations of its time.

For a power station, the IRT Powerhouse is also easy on the eyes. The building was designed by architect Stanford White of the firm McKim, Mead & White. The powerhouse features the Beaux-Arts style and incorporates Renaissance prototypes, according to the LPC. The building is a prime example of the City Beautiful movement in architecture which showed that even public utility buildings could be aesthetically pleasing.

In 1959 the IRT Powerhouse was acquired by Consolidated Edison, which adapted the building to serve modern power needs. To this day the powerhouse remains in use as a steam and electric generating plant that serves hundreds of Manhattan buildings.

The IRT Powerhouse was first calendared for landmarks designation decades ago, the LPC said in a statement.

"This building is a magnificent testament to industrial power, and its obvious architectural and historical significance are why so many of us have worked for so long to see it landmarked," Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer said in a statement.

Photo courtesy Landmarks Preservation Commission