SPENCER, N.C. — The North Carolina Transportation Museum is pleased to announce plans to renovate two historic structures, the Powerhouse and Car Repair Shed, creating opportunities for continued growth at the State Historic Site.
The Powerhouse, constructed in 1896, supplied both power and steam pressure for both shop tools and heat throughout the former Southern Railway Spencer Shops facility. It received several additions throughout the years, with the most significant being in 1924, when the brick structure that stands today was built. The project will consist of a full renovation of the structure, complete with a new entrance canopy and an addition that will house restrooms, a catering kitchen, storage, and mechanical spaces. The interior improvements will include repaired concrete floors, repainted historic equipment and metal surfaces, as well as new lighting, utilities, HVAC, and an automatic sprinkler system. Once complete, the Powerhouse will host museum activities and also provide rental space for private events.
