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Overview

Built in 1901, the University of Washington Powerhouse #1 functioned for over ten years, before it was replaced by a second power generation facility built sometime before 1919. This powerhouse later served the University of Washington School of Mines, until this school (and later a college) building built another facility, Mines Hall #2 (later enlarged and renamed Roberts Hall).

Building History

The UW Power House #1 operated between 1901 and 1909, near what would become the site of Suzzallo Library.

A notice soliciting bids from building contractors in 1901 indicated that the University of Washington Science Building was being erected at the same time as a new power plant and the installation of new steam conduits for power transmission on campus. The notice, published in the Tacoma Daily Ledgerstated: "Sealed bids will be received by the Board of Regents of the State University of Washington for the construction of a Science Hall and Power House. Bids will be received at the same time for a system of conduits and steam piping on campus; also for the heating and ventilating plant for the science hall. Separate bids must be tendered for each contract. The bids for each contract must be accompanied by a certified check drawn in favor of the Board of Regents for the amount of five hundred dollars ($500), for science hall; three hundred ($300) for power house; two hundred and fifty ($250) for heating and ventilating; one hundred ($100), for each of the bids on conduit work, as a guarantee that the person or firm whose bid is accepted will sign a contract within five days after the acceptance of the bid and will furnish a surety bond as required.” (See “Notice to Contractors,” Tacoma Daily Ledger, 05/17/1901, p. 6.)

In 1905, this building also housed a Mechanical Engineering laboratory.

Before 1919, the University of Washington erected its Powerhouse #2 to the southeast (along the Norhern Pacific rail tracks) and this hipped-roof, two-story building was remodeled to accommodate classrooms for the School (and, after 1911, College) of Mines until about 1921, when the College of Mines Hall #2 was completed.

Building Notes

This building was constructed using leftover sandstone from Denny Hall.

Demolition

The UW Power House #1 was destroyed by fire on 12/16/1924.

PCAD id: 9469