Power Plant Live! facts for kids
Power Plant Live! is a super fun place in downtown Baltimore, Maryland. It's part of the famous Inner Harbor area. Here, you'll find lots of cool restaurants, shops, and entertainment spots.
This exciting complex was created by The Cordish Companies. It opened in different parts between 2001 and 2003. The name "Power Plant Live!" comes from an old building nearby called the "Power Plant". This historic building was also later turned into a cool spot by the same company. You can find Power Plant Live! along Market Place, and it's easy to get to by the Baltimore Metro Subway at the Shot Tower/Market Place station.
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History of the Area
From Power Station to Fun Spot
The "Power Plant" building itself has a long history. It was built way back in 1900-1905. Back then, it was a huge power station that burned coal to make electricity. This power helped run Baltimore's old streetcars and trolleys.
Later, in the 1990s, this old power station was given a new life. It was turned into a mixed-use project. This means it became a place with different kinds of businesses and activities, not just one.
Old Markets and Famous Speeches
The area where Power Plant Live! stands today has been important for a very long time. It was once the site of the original Centre Market. This was Baltimore's first public market house, built in 1763. It was a very busy place where people bought and sold all sorts of goods.
Later, in 1851, a famous school called the Maryland Institute built its second building here. It was a huge building with two clock towers. Many important events happened here. For example, during the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln gave a speech here in 1864. He spoke at an event called the "Sanitary Fair", which raised money to help wounded soldiers and their families.
Sadly, this Maryland Institute building and the market below it were destroyed in the Great Baltimore Fire of 1904. This was a huge fire that burned down much of downtown Baltimore.
Rebuilding and New Ideas
After the big fire, the city rebuilt the area. By 1907, new market buildings were constructed. There was a "Produce Market" for fruits and veggies, a "Fish Market", and a "Retail/Wholesale Market" for other items. A beautiful fountain was also added for the horses that worked hard pulling wagons.
In the 1980s, the wholesale fish merchants moved to a new, bigger location outside the city. This left the old market buildings empty. Baltimore's mayor at the time, William Donald Schaefer, had a big dream. He wanted to turn the area into something like San Francisco's famous "Fisherman's Wharf". He even imagined a "Fallswalk" along the nearby Jones Falls stream, with boats and fun activities.
The Birth of Power Plant Live!
In the early 1980s, the Pratt Street Power Plant building itself became an indoor theme park created by Six Flags. It had a fun explorer theme. Later, in the mid-1980s, the idea for "The Brokerage" complex came about. This was built near the old market area.
After Mayor Schaefer became Governor of Maryland, new plans for the Centre Market Place area began. The "Power Plant" amusement and retail complex on Pratt Street was expanding. "The Brokerage" building was built with restaurants, bars, and a concert hall.
The old Fish Market building was transformed into the Port Discovery children's museum, which opened in 1998. This museum is a fantastic place for kids to learn and play!
Today, "Power Plant Live!" is a vibrant collection of restaurants, comedy clubs, dance clubs, and more. It also hosts the popular concert venue Rams Head Live!. This area continues to be a popular spot for entertainment and fun in Baltimore.
