Electra Popular Vallisoletana, Power station in Valladolid, Spain.
The Electra Popular Vallisoletana is a brick power station decorated with pinnacles, cornices, and metal shields on its lateral sections. The facility received hydroelectric power through underground lines from a dam in the region and fed electricity into the local grid.
Engineer Isidro Rodriguez Zarracina designed the facility in 1905 to supply power to the city. Nearly two decades later, architect Jeronimo Arroyo oversaw its expansion to handle greater capacity.
The building reflects early industrial practices where brickworkers and ceramic artisans collaborated on factory-style construction. The decorative elements visible on the lateral sections came from techniques that were common in local workshops of that era.
The building sits in a residential area, so the best time to view it is in early morning or evening when there is lighter foot and vehicle traffic. It is viewable from the street, but keep a safe distance and be mindful not to block pedestrian pathways.
The main facade received legal protection in 1990 under city planning regulations, while the rest of the complex has no such safeguard. This created an unusual situation where only the visible front is preserved while the rear sections remain without protection.
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