Columbus Power House

The Columbus Power House, also known as the Columbus Pump House, is a historic gem nestled on the banks of the East Fork of the White River in Columbus, Indiana. This architectural marvel, designed by Harrison Albright and completed in 1903, has a rich history that reflects the evolving needs and aspirations of the city it serves.

The Origins of the Pump House

The story of the Columbus Power House begins in 1871, when the first pumping station for the city’s water works was constructed on this very site. Known locally as the Holly Works, it housed large water pumps manufactured by Holly Manufacturing Company in Buffalo, New York. These pumps had the capacity to move an impressive 3,000,000 gallons of water per day, a testament to the engineering prowess of the time.

By the turn of the 20th century, the city of Columbus recognized the need for an upgraded facility to meet the growing demands of its residents. Enter Harrison Albright, an architect renowned for his innovative designs. With the support of Mayor George W. Caldwell, construction of the new Pump House began in 1901, atop the original structure. Completed in 1903, the new building featured state-of-the-art centrifugal pumps capable of pumping up to 8,000,000 gallons of water per day. A small addition in 1904 housed dynamos that provided electricity for the city’s street lighting, marking the Pump House as a dual-purpose facility.

The Southern Machine Company Era

The Pump House served the city until 1951, when Columbus transitioned to a deep well system for its water supply. In 1952, the building found new life as the home of Southern Machine Company, owned by Ray and Martha Smock. The structure underwent several alterations to accommodate its new role as a machine shop. However, its historical significance was not forgotten.

In 1972, the Columbus Redevelopment Commission purchased the building with the vision of revitalizing the downtown area. For a brief period, the Pump House even served as a fabrication workshop for Jean Tinguely’s monumental sculpture, Chaos 1, which was installed in The Commons in 1974.

The Senior Center Transformation

By 1975, a community-driven effort led to the transformation of the Pump House into the Columbus Senior Center. Architect James K. Paris was hired to draft renovation plans, and with nearly $400,000 in community development funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the project began in 1976. The renovations, completed by Taylor Brothers Construction, included moving the main entrance to the southeast corner of the building, replacing the original slate roof with asphalt shingles, and installing ramps, an elevator, and a large shuffleboard playing area.

The Senior Center operated successfully in the Pump House until 2011, when the club moved to the newly opened Mill Race Center. Despite the changes, the building’s historical essence was preserved, and it continued to serve the community in various capacities.

The Upland Brewing Company Era

In 2016, the Columbus Power House underwent yet another transformation, this time into a brewpub for the Upland Brewing Company. The renovations maintained the building’s historical charm while adapting it for modern use. Today, visitors can enjoy a meal and a brew in a setting that echoes the rich history of Columbus.

The Architectural Significance

The Columbus Power House is a testament to the architectural ingenuity of Harrison Albright. The building’s two-color brick scheme accentuates the windows and doors, creating a visually striking facade. The hip-roofed structure, originally covered with gray clay tiles, once featured numerous ventilation stacks that added to its industrial aesthetic.

The Pump House’s location on the banks of the East Fork of the White River was no accident. The river provided the water that the facility pumped and filtered for the city’s use. A simple filter built into the river directed water into a 10-foot-diameter, 35-foot-deep cistern. This filtration system was in place until 1913, when a more advanced sand filtration system was developed, complete with a testing laboratory inside the Pump House to ensure water quality.

A Symbol of Columbus’ Evolution

Throughout its history, the Columbus Power House has been more than just a building; it has been a symbol of the city’s evolution. From its early days as a water works and power plant to its roles as a machine shop, senior center, and now a brewpub, the Pump House has continually adapted to meet the needs of the community. Its walls tell the story of a city that values its heritage while embracing change.

Today, the Columbus Power House stands as a proud monument to the past and a vibrant part of the present. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique dining experience, the Power House offers something for everyone. It’s a place where the past and present blend seamlessly, inviting visitors to explore and appreciate the rich tapestry of Columbus, Indiana.