Power House, Utility building in Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, US
Power House is an industrial utility building on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco, constructed with a distinctive white smokestack that rises prominently from the structure. The building housed large steam generators that supplied electricity to the entire island during its operational years.
The Power House was built in 1939 as part of a comprehensive modernization effort for the federal penitentiary on Alcatraz Island. Its construction reflected the shift from military use to a modern prison facility with advanced infrastructure.
The building represented industrial advancement on Alcatraz Island, marking the transition from military fortress to modern federal penitentiary infrastructure.
The building is visible from outside areas of Alcatraz Island, but interior access is not available to the general public. Visitors can view the structure and its distinctive white smokestack from pathways and viewing areas around the island.
The Power House tower contained specific security equipment: a Winchester rifle, a Colt pistol, gas grenades, and a gas mask for guard protection.
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