About the Georgetown
Steam Plant
The Georgetown Steam Plant was built in 1906 to energize the region’s growing electric streetcar system. At the time, it was at the center of the rapidly growing Georgetown neighborhood. The plant was designed to run on either coal or oil, but shortly after it was built, hydropower became the primary source of energy for the region and the plant operated until 1977 when it was completely decommissioned. Since its decommissioning, building owner Seattle City Light (SCL) has worked to preserve, repair and restore the building. Under SCL’s management, the Georgetown Steam Plant has been recognized as a National Historic Landmark, Seattle Landmark and Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark.
The Steam Plant is a local treasure, grounded in the local stories, memories, and identity of the Duwamish Valley. It also sets a nationally recognized example for preservation and community regeneration.
