Our STory
A Historical Landmark
The Central Power Station was constructed to service the rapidly growing West End Street Railway. The massive machinery contained within powered the first unified urban transportation system in the country which evolved over the course of several decades into the Boston Elevated Railway and eventually the modern-day MBTA.
Although its function to service the transportation lines was short lived, it survived years of neglect, deconstruction and time to be reborn into today’s most sought after event venue in Boston.
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Construction Begins
Construction Begins on the Central Power Station for the expansion of the West End Street Railway; an ambitious engineering and architectural feat, built to endure functionally as well as aesthetically.
- 1891
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Power Station Goes Online
After 3 years of construction, the Central Power Station went online in 1892 to great fanfare. At its inception, it was the largest power generation plant in the world.
- 1912
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Chimney and Complex Demolished
The decision was made to demolish the huge chimney and many of the adjacent buildings that made up the complex. The colossal “engine room” on the west end of the property and a smaller adjoining room, which serves as our secondary event space, are all that remain.
- 1947
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Purchased by GTI
In 1999, GTI Properties bought an available parcel of land from the MBTA. On it: the remaining structure of the Central Power Station. Over 100 years after it was built, the shell of this grand architectural wonder had fallen into decay and disrepair but its steel truss construction and two-foot thick brick walls were still strong.
- 2018
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Open For Business
In 2021, The newly renamed named SoWa Power Station opened, offering 32,000 square feet of event space and a unique open floorplan to host your dream event.
- 1889
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Construction Finished
Construction of the CPS is finished. The massive machinery contained within powered the first unified urban transportation system in the country which evolved over the course of several decades into the Boston Elevated Railway and eventually the modern-day MBTA.
- 1892
-
Power Station Retired
Due to advances in technology outpacing the CPS, by 1912 the power station was retired.
- 1940
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Deeded to the State
The City of Boston’s Acts of 1947 deeded all of the property of the Boston Elevated Railway Company to the MTA (now known as the MBTA) including the land on which the CPS stood. The MBTA used the old engine room as a trolley barn, for storing and repairing street cars.
- 1999
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Renovations Begin
In 2018 the Power Station closed for renovations and rethought from the ground up. Empty windows have been fitted with custom 20 foot tall paned glass and impressive French doors. New electrical, plumbing and concrete flooring installed throughout.
- 2021
-
1889
Construction Begins
Construction Begins on the Central Power Station for the expansion of the West End Street Railway; an ambitious engineering and architectural feat, built to endure functionally as well as aesthetically.
-
1891
Construction Finished
Construction of the CPS is finished. The massive machinery contained within powered the first unified urban transportation system in the country which evolved over the course of several decades into the Boston Elevated Railway and eventually the modern-day MBTA.
-
1892
Power Station Goes Online
After 3 years of construction, the Central Power Station went online in 1892 to great fanfare. At its inception, it was the largest power generation plant in the world.