Manchester Street Power Station

Built In

1903

History

The power station was built in 1903–04 by the Rhode Island (later, New England) Electric Company, which supplied energy for electric street cars and trolleys in Providence at the beginning of the 20th century. As the oldest electrical generating station in Providence, it has been in operation since 1903, The original, northern building with its stepped gable was added onto in 1913 and 1933. A major renovation in 1992 was led by William H. Warner, the architect of the downtown river relocation and Waterplace Park. Today, its three glowing, 321-foot smoke stacks, the station is the most frequently photographed location in Providence.