Tempe Historic Property Survey

The Cross Cut Power Plant is significant as the only hydroelectric structure remaining in the Salt River Valley. It is associated with the historic electrification of the valley following the construction of Roosevelt Dam. Two seven-foot penstocks took water from the Arizona Cross Cut Canal, and dropped it 112 feet through the Pelton water wheels, which turned Westinghouse generators, generating 11,000 volts. Built by the Bureau of Reclamation, the main use of the electricity originally was to run water pumps, especially on the Western Canal. The plant eventually serviced some of Tempe, including the Hayden Flour Mill when it was converted from hydropower to electric power in the 1920s.

The Power Plant is a rectangular (176 ft. by 42 ft.) cast-in-place concrete structure with a gable roof and ridge vents. The rectangular mass is divided into 12 bays (north to south) along the sides and three bays on the sides. The maximum height of the structure is 63 ft. with the main generator floor 22 feet above the tailrace (water exit) grade. The concrete work is detailed with simplified classical motifs, expressed below the frieze panels by a corbelled band course and pilaster capitols. The roof is supported by metal trusses. The windows (one per bay) are metal 4-over-4 light double-hung. The plant is entered from the north with a garage door access from the south. To the east is the switching and transformer building (which measures 89 ft. by 43 ft.) and a shop (16 ft. by 43 ft.). These buildings are of concrete with similar detailing and openings, but with a flat concrete roof. Some of the original equipment remains in the plant, but it is not used at this time. In 1938 a metal steam generating plant powered by diesel engines was constructed to the northwest. This large Moderne-like building is sheathed in corrugated metal with multi-pane steel-frame awning windows. This plant remains on stand by.

Go to Tempe Historic Property Survey