Georgetown Steam Plant CDA

In some ways, The Georgetown Steam Plant has been at rest for 46 of its 117 years of existence. From another standpoint, it’s in perpetual motion as it transforms from an engine that supplied power to an expanding Seattle to one that catalyzes connections among South Seattle residents, linking Seattle’s past to our future makers and innovators.

 In 2018, Seattle City Light engaged nonprofit partner, The Georgetown Steam Plant Community Development Authority (the CDA), and signed a 30-year lease on the Steam Plant with two 15-year options. This lease will allow the CDA to reinvigorate the Steam Plant while also preserving it. City Light as the building owner restored it. Now the CDA is raising funds to modernize the Steam Plant and increase access, while preserving history.

A National Historic Landmark, City of Seattle Landmark, and National Mechanical Engineering Landmark, The Georgetown Steam Plant is a shining example of the era’s cutting-edge technologies in energy production, industrial efficiency, and construction techniques. The CDA has set out to make the next chapter of The Steam Plant’s life as groundbreaking as the first.

Once the doors are open, the reinvigorated Steam Plant will host programming that builds upon the dynamic character of the plant. We envision a community hub that supports STEAM education programming, an interactive history experience, and event space. 

By donating to this year's GiveBig campaign, you can help us reach the following goals for 2023: 

- Engage and support a community advisory committee to help guide the project through development 

- Complete analysis for the seismic retrofit of the building in order to ensure its longevity 

- Complete building access analysis in order to safely provide visitors access to all parts of the building