Manhattan · NYC landmark
IRT Powerhouse
855–869 Eleventh Avenue · Manhattan, New York City
See the decorated industrial walls of the plant that powered New York’s first subway and learn how coal became traction power.
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NYFE Summary
Coal brought in from the Hudson powered the engines that supplied electricity to the first IRT subway. Conveyors, hoppers and rail access helped move fuel and ash through the enormous plant. Engineers planned its working structure before an architect designed the public face.
Tall arched windows, pale brick and terra-cotta ornament wrap the boiler and generating halls in a common exterior. The company’s name remains across the Eleventh Avenue front. The original smokestacks have been removed, while the building continues in utility use.
NYFE summary from the official history and visitor sources linked below.
Plan a visit
Check the operator’s current opening, admission and access information before travelling. Historic status does not guarantee public access to every interior.
Official visitor information ↗