Abandoned Power Plant: Part I

The Market Street Power Plant in New Orleans was once a bustling hub of electricity production for the city, but now stands abandoned, a relic of a bygone era. The massive, industrial complex is located on the banks of the Mississippi River and has been a fixture in the New Orleans skyline since its construction in the early 20th century.

The Market Street Power Plant was built in 1905 by the New Orleans Public Service Inc. (NOPSI) and was one of the largest coal-fired power plants in the country at the time. The plant was designed to generate electricity for the city’s expanding streetcar system, as well as for homes and businesses throughout the area.

Over the years, the plant underwent several expansions and upgrades, with the addition of new generators and other equipment to keep up with the growing demand for electricity. At its peak, the Market Street Power Plant was capable of producing over 500 megawatts of electricity, enough to power more than 250,000 homes.

However, by the 1970s, the plant had become outdated and inefficient, and was unable to compete with newer, more modern power plants. In 1973, the plant ceased operations, and much of the equipment was removed.

Since then, the Market Street Power Plant has sat abandoned and decaying. Despite its impressive size and historical significance, the building has been largely neglected, with few attempts made to preserve or repurpose it.

Over the years, the Market Street Power Plant has become a popular spot for urban explorers and photographers, who are drawn to the eerie, industrial beauty of the abandoned complex. The plant’s massive smokestacks, rusted machinery, and graffiti-covered walls have made it a favorite subject for artists and photographers, and the site has even been used as a location for several movies and TV shows.

Recently, there have been some efforts to revitalize the Market Street Power Plant and turn it into a more useful space. In 2019, the city of New Orleans announced a plan to redevelop the site as a mixed-use development, with residential, commercial, and cultural spaces. The plan would preserve much of the historic architecture of the building, while also incorporating modern amenities and green space.

However, the redevelopment plan has been met with some opposition from local preservationists, who argue that the Market Street Power Plant is an important part of New Orleans’ industrial heritage and should be preserved as a historic site.

Despite the ongoing debate over its future, the Market Street Power Plant remains an impressive and fascinating piece of New Orleans history. Whether it is eventually repurposed as a modern development or preserved as a historical site, the Market Street Power Plant will continue to be a testament to the city’s industrial past, and a symbol of its resilience and adaptability in the face of change.

Click Here for More Pics in Part Two