The Powerhouse Science Center History
The Powerhouse is listed in local, state, and national registers of historic places as the Colorado Ute Power Plant.
Drawing on L.L. Nunn and George Westinghouse’s revolutionary application of AC electricity for the mines above Telluride, this power plant was one of the first in the nation to deliver AC power for community use. Abandoned after 25 years, the “Powerhouse” was decaying and neglected.
A bold community effort lead by board members of the Durango Children’s Museum (now named Durango Discovery Kids) raised $1.1 million to restore the site and historic structures. The restoration solved a 30-year old problem for the community and set the stage for the creation of an interactive discovery + science center for all ages—the Durango Discovery Museum.
