This monumental electrical power plant was constructed by the United Gas Improvement Company of Philadelphia to serve both the town of New Braunfels and Comal County, drawing water from the Comal River to power its steam turbines. The plant was closed in 1974, and most of the generating equipment removed, but fortunately, the main building was left intact. Dating back to the time when power generation facilities were considered public monuments, the seven-story main building, which housed the massive steam turbines that produced electricity, shows classical influences and is of deep red brick with painted concrete trim. One of the company's architects was John T. Windrim of Philadelphia, though no firm documentation has been found to confirm his involvement with this building.