History

The Seaholm Condos are one of Austin’s most remarkable residential towers, not only for the abundant amenities, but because of the location’s history.

In the early 1940s, the City of Austin was growing at a rapid rate and that was putting stress on the existing power grid. In an effort to ease the strain, City of Austin officials commissioned the construction of the Seaholm Power Plant, originally called – simply – Power Plant No. 2.

Construction of the power plant took place over 7 years from 1948 to 1955 and it was the only source of electric power for the City of Austin until 1959, when the demands of growth outpaced what Seaholm could generate.

Over time, reliance on the power plant waned and it was eventually decommissioned as a working power plant and converted into a training facility until the 90s, when it closed indefinitely.

The structure itself is a Recorded Historic Landmark in the State of Texas and is known for strong industrial style and Art Deco sensibilities.

Architecturally, Seaholm is in the style of “art moderne” a late period Art Deco style that is known for strong horizontal lines and maritime features. The main building formerly housed the main turbines. It was a wide open industrial warehouse made of large reinforced concrete walls and industrial windows. Similarly, the water intake building, which sits right on the shores of Lady Bird Lake, features many of the same features.

The most iconic features of the former Seaholm power plant are the large cooling towers and the art deco style metal letters that adorned the west-facing facade of the building.

Because it is a historic landmark, many of the features of the Seaholm Power Plant have been incorporated in the mixed-use aesthetic of the condo. You’ll find industrial pipes, steam stacks, industrial windows, and more throughout.