In 1888, Columbus was lit by oil lamps…
…that had to be filled and maintained by workers throughout the evening hours. As the city continued to grow, the quest for an alternative, more cost-efficient solution was afoot. As an experimental facility in civil-owned power, the Columbus Municipal Light Power Plant was constructed in 1903.
Photo Credit: Columbus Library
While the start of its reign was rather shaky, having to be shut down hours after its first run of power, the plant quickly became a cornerstone in igniting the city, and paving the way for further growth. During its heyday, coal would arrive from rail cars. A large elevator would lift the coal, dumping it into a 300-ton hopper or funnel-shaped container. Massive boilers would burn the coal generating heat and converting water to steam. The steam moved the six giant turbines producing power to downtown Columbus.
Before the structure ceased operations in 1977, it lit Columbus streets, city and residential buildings, and most notably, the arches Columbus is famously known for. According to a report written by Samuel S. Wyer in 1913, nearly 2,500 metal arches bowed over the downtown city streets with lamps atop lit by the Municipal Light Plant, thus giving the city its cherished moniker, City of Arches.
Photo Credit: Columbus Dispatch
In 1946, renovations were made to the building to expand the plant’s production, including an art-deco building to the East of the structure, as well as the iconic smokestack. The 206-foot edifice now stands as a symbol of the city’s strength and perseverance.
Photo Credit: Columbus Crew
After the Municipal Light Plant ceased operations in 1977,
due to the City of Columbus moving to purchased electrical power, the building sat vacant for 40 years. In 2015, the building was placed on the National Historical Registry and in 2017, renovations began to rebuild and conserve the story of a city lighting the way for generations of Columbusites.
Columbus Landmarks said in a statement, “The building honors its history through the integration of industrial artifacts throughout. This project demonstrates how even the most derelict industrial buildings can be brought back to life.” In 2021, the brick and metal tower was painted black and gold with the words “Columbus Crew” beaming in the original font of The Municipal Light Plant tower.
Photo Credit: City of Columbus
Today the original 1903 building…
…is home to The Stack at Municipal Light Plant, a Cameron Mitchell Premier Events wedding and events venue. In this space the shadows of turbines, boilers, iron pulleys, and clerestory windows remain. A stunning reminder of the history of our city and the people who made it all possible.
This is your time to be part of Columbus history and hold your luminous event at The Stack at Municipal Light Plant.
Location, Location, Location Set The Stage
