Cahaba Pump Station
The Cahaba Pump Station, built in 1887-1890, is a working pump station owned by the Birmingham Water Works. The station is located on the banks of the Cahaba River at the former site of New Town at 4012 Sicard Hollow Road and consists of a Control Room Building, Boiler House, and two Pumphouses.
The original facility, designed by Elyton Land Company engineer Willis Milner, was constructed with great difficulty at the remote site for about a half million dollars. It had an initial pumping capacity of 5 million gallons per day.
It also functions as a museum with examples of early tools and equipment and a collection of historical photographs. The facility is also available as a meeting and conference space for business and civic groups of up to 100.
A 1998 renovation and addition designed by KHAFRA engineers won a Preservation Award from the Birmingham Historical Society.
In 2009 the Water Works purchased 23 acres adjoining the station from Fleming Branch LLC in a deal that protects 50 additional acres bought by Alex Jones from high-density development.
References
- Bryant, Joseph D. (October 23, 2009) "Birmingham Water Works buying land near major pump station." Birmingham News