The Powerhouse, San Luis Obispo
historic place
The Powerhouse in San Luis Obispo, California, is a historic place on the Cal Poly campus. Built in the Mission Revival style, construction began in 1908 and finished by 1910. It is the oldest building still standing at Cal Poly. From 1910 through the 1940s, The Powerhouse supplied all electricity and steam heat for the campus. Student labor was used in its construction and operation, reflecting the university's 'learn by doing' philosophy. The building later housed the School of Architecture and Environmental Design from 1967 to 1990. The Powerhouse was abandoned in 1990. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. This building marks a foundational period in Cal Poly's development and its educational practices.