Central Steam Heat Plant, historic building in Downtown, Spokane, Washington
The Central Steam Heat Plant is a three-story industrial building constructed of brick and steel-reinforced concrete in Renaissance Revival style, completed in 1916. Two distinctive smokestacks rise from opposite corners of the roof, and large arched windows mark its sturdy appearance in downtown Spokane.
Designed by local architects Cutter & Malmgren in 1916, it supplied steam heat to up to 300 buildings downtown and operated for 70 years. The plant ceased operation in 1986, then underwent renovation in 1996 to become Steam Plant Square, earning a national preservation award in 2001.
The name reflects the building's original role as the central steam distribution hub for downtown. Today it functions as a gathering place where visitors and locals dine and attend events while surrounded by exposed pipes and vintage machinery that mark its industrial past.
Located downtown and easily accessible on foot, the main entrance is through large arched doors on the south side of the building. Visit during business hours of the restaurants and shops to fully explore the spaces and see the preserved original machinery throughout.
A striking feature is the two smokestacks, each built with more than 166,000 bricks and engineered to sway in the wind. One smokestack has been converted into a walk-through attraction for visitors, while the other now serves as a game room.
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