This very large structure was built by the Denver Tramway Power Company, a subsidiary of the Denver Tramway, to supply electricity to its network of electric trams in Denver. The giant building was constructed in 1901.
We don't often think of the physical plant that trolley cars of any kid require, but this structure gives us a pretty good example. The building was used as a power generating facility for fifty years, at which time the railway stopped operating (it has since been replaced by a new rail system operated by Denver's RTC).
After the Denver Tramway quit using it, it was used by International Harvester for a time. Today, however, the giant open building is occupied by the Denver outlet for the recreational equipment co-op REI, replacing a smaller store that occupied a former grocery store in Aurora.
The rail lines still exist and are still in operating condition. There's presently an effort to secure train service locally near REI, adding to Denver's extensive rail network.
Storm drain outlet which a graffiti artist had made resemble a cat's head.
