Alabama Power demolished Plant Gadsden, a retired steam plant, Saturday after a run of more than 100 years.

The implosion collapsed both the boilers and the tower of the plant.

Alabama Power says the demolition “will help pave the way for potential future redevelopment and reuse of the site.”

Plant Gadsden began operations in 1913 and was officially retired on Jan. 1, 2023. The plant, located on the Coosa River in east Gadsden, was able to produce 10,000 kilowatt hours when it opened, making it the largest electric-generating facility in the state at the time.

“There’s a rich history with Plant Gadsden,” Steven Wright, who served as the final plant manager while it was still in operation, told Alabama News Center. “It has been a very important pillar in the community of Gadsden. Not only for power and helping the growth of Gadsden in their early days.”

When the plant was decommissioned, no workers were laid off, according to Alabama Power. The majority of its workers retired or moved to another job within the company. Wright became the plant manager at Plant Calhoun in Eastaboga, which is where many former Gadsden employees are now working.