Raleigh's Historic E.B. Bain Water Treatment Plant: A Landmark Awaits Its Next Chapter

– by Dana Deaton

The E.B. Bain Water Treatment Plant stands as a testament to Raleigh’s history and commitment to innovation in public works. Designated a Raleigh Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999, this architectural gem boasts a unique blend of functionality and Art Moderne style.

May is National Preservation Month, and Preservation Raleigh is on a mission to safeguard our city’s unique legacy. This month, we launched a new initiative: Places in Peril. Learn more about the E.B. Bain Water Treatment Plant as the fifth in the series.

A Storied Past and Engineering Feat

Much like today, Raleigh’s growth in the early 1900s quickly outpaced the city’s infrastructure. By the late 1930s, Raleigh’s aging water treatment plant, built in 1886 and reliant on steam power from Walnut Creek south of downtown, was maxed out at 7 million gallons a day.

Enter the E.B. Bain Water Treatment Plant: Named after Ernest Battle Bain, superintendent of the City Water Works for nearly 40 years, the new plant addressed the city’s growing thirst. Funded through a combination of federal New Deal programs and city bonds, construction began in 1939 and was completed in 1940. The Bain plant marked a significant leap forward, not just in capacity but also in design.

The construction itself was a feat of engineering. The new Art Deco-styled Bain plant was built on the same site as the existing facility, ensuring an uninterrupted water supply for Raleigh’s 50,000 residents. With four electric pumps and a gas-powered backup, the Bain plant boasted a significant upgrade in capacity, treating up to 10 million gallons of water per day, with the potential to expand to 20 million gallons.

Raleigh’s Growing Thirst: A History of Water Expansion

While the E.B. Bain Water Treatment Plant was a significant upgrade, Raleigh’s ever-growing population continued to push the limits. The 1950s saw the construction of two additional reservoirs on Swift Creek, significantly increasing storage capacity to 3 billion gallons.

However, as Raleigh’s population surged past 100,000 in the 1960s, the need for even more water sources became critical. The solution came in 1967 with the construction of the E.M. Johnson Water Treatment Plant on the Neuse River. This new facility, coupled with the explosive growth of Falls Lake (holding a staggering 43 billion gallons), ensured a reliable water supply for decades to come.

The E.B. Bain Water Treatment Plant remained in use until 1987, working in tandem with the newer plant. After closing, the city continued to use the storage tanks for backup treated water storage. In the 1990s, the building was sold to a development firm who planned to rehabilitate and manage the property. The water treatment plant was added to the National Register of Historic Places that same year. The building changed ownership in 2006, and the site remains in pre-development.

Today, Raleigh’s water system is even more extensive, incorporating Lake Benson in Garner and providing water to numerous Wake County municipalities. This impressive network stands as a testament to the city’s foresight in planning for its ever-growing water needs.

Art Deco Grandeur

The National Park Service aptly describes the E.B. Bain Water Treatment Plant: “While strictly utilitarian in concept, the Bain plant, as built, is perhaps the foremost Art Deco style building in Raleigh, displaying a surprising level of architectural detail.” Indeed, this 1940 brick building transcends its functional purpose.

Photo by Leland Kent, used with permission

Standing four stories tall with a full basement, the Bain plant boasts a two-story entrance lobby that wouldn’t be out of place in a grand museum. A mezzanine circles the upper level, while soaring staircases with ornate wrought iron and cast-iron railings flank either side. The grandeur continues with a lobby ceiling adorned with ornamented plaster beams, and the original light fixtures and red quarry floor tile add to the historic charm.

The operational areas themselves are a testament to the marriage of form and function. Housed in a substantial two-and-a-half story wing, they flank an extended arcade of molded plaster arches. Clerestory windows bathe the space in natural light, illuminating the utilitarian space.

Looking Forward

The Bain plant is currently privately owned and awaits a new chapter in its story. While the property is protected by historic covenants to ensure its preservation, extensive work will be required to adapt the building for a new use. The property, owned and maintained by Empire Properties of Raleigh, is available for lease or sale to a tenant or developer who will rehabilitate this splendid, isolated complex in south Raleigh into an adaptive reuse. This presents a unique opportunity to breathe new life into this historic landmark, all while maintaining its original character.

A Call to Action

The E.B. Bain Water Treatment Plant stands as a symbol of Raleigh’s past and its potential for the future. With its rich history, architectural significance, and impressive engineering story, the plant offers a unique canvas for creative redevelopment.

The question remains: who will be the steward to guide this landmark into its next chapter?

Interested parties can contact Empire Properties here.