MAKE IT A 21ST CENTURY CARBON NEUTRAL FACILITY THAT DEMONSTRATES ENERGY JUSTICE

When it opened in 1901, the Zuni Steam Plant was one of the first of its kind in the nation--a coal burning plant that generated electricity and steam heat for Denver’s growing community. Over time, it became an iconic building for all of Denver.  Xcel Energy is planning to demolish this building as part of its decommissioning of the steam production operation. As a community, we have an opportunity to celebrate and repurpose this building, and to embrace Xcel’s 2050 carbon-free electricity commitment. The Zuni Steam Plant can become a stellar example of a 21st century carbon free community asset.  The preservation of this building would also be a strong statement that recognizes the health impact of coal burning on neighborhood residents in the past and will provide an opportunity for energy justice in the future. 

By signing this petition, you are standing with neighbors and City leaders to oppose demolition and insist that Xcel Energy work with the community to find a creative solution to reuse the historic building for community benefit.

Background:

The Zuni steam plant is located on the South Platte River, adjacent to downtown Denver. When it was built it became part of the electrification and steam production elements that supported the City’s growth.  For more than a century, the steam plant produced the heat for downtown buildings. Over the past 10 years the Sun Valley neighborhood has experienced significant growth, all of which has embraced the South Platte River. The preservation and renovation of the Zuni Steam plant is well positioned to provide connections to the South Platte River as River  Mile, Meow Wolf, Steam on the Platte, the major DHA Sun Valley redevelopment have done .

Following the announcement that the plant would be decommissioned more than a year ago, community members began to envision the plant's renaissance to serve as a local resource. There are many power plant redevelopments that can serve as precedent to adaptively reuse this building, including Denver’s former Tramway Power Plant, which now houses the flagship REI store, just north of the Steam Plant. Around the country, these structures have become the centerpiece for their communities.