Parkhill Awards BCI Pro Bono Grant to Abilene Preservation League for Historic WTU Power Plant
Parkhill has partnered with the Abilene Preservation League (APL) to help envision a new future for the historic West Texas Utilities (WTU) power plant and its surrounding 18-acre site in downtown Abilene. Through a generous Building Community Investment (BCI) pro bono grant, Parkhill will provide interdisciplinary services to support early planning and visioning efforts for the landmark property.
The project represents the largest initiative ever undertaken by the Abilene Preservation League, a nonprofit organization founded in 1977 to preserve historic properties and promote preservation throughout Abilene. The organization advocates alternatives to demolition when historically significant structures face deterioration or neglect.
Parkhill’s involvement will include feasibility analysis, site and building assessments, community visioning, and master planning. These efforts aim to help stakeholders imagine new possibilities and generate momentum for future investment and redevelopment while preserving an important piece of Abilene’s history.
Representing Parkhill, Mishi Mathur and Brandon Young recently presented the BCI grant to APL Executive Director Abigail Payne and members of the organization’s staff. The announcement took place near the historic WTU neon sign — recently restored by a local business owner and now displayed in a downtown Abilene event center — symbolizing renewed community interest in the site’s legacy.
Bird’s eye view of WTU’s power plant completed in 1922. Credit: Hardin-Simmons University Library; Courtesy: The Portal to Texas History.
WTU power plant after the completed addition in 1945. Credit: Texas Historical Commission, Ellen Beasley 1978; Courtesy: The Portal to Texas History.
Current view of the turbine hall with clerestory running the length (along with a bridge crane). Credit: Ice Imaging/Kevin Halliburton; 2025.MGNG
View from the roof to the east overlook Cedar Creek. Credit: Ice Imaging/Kevin Halliburton; 2025.
A Landmark with Deep Roots in West Texas
Completed in 1922, the West Texas Utilities Power Plant was designed by noted Dallas architect Wyatt C. Hedrick. The industrial facility featured an innovative design for its time, incorporating abundant natural light and a towering smokestack that continues to define a portion of Abilene’s skyline. One of only a handful of similar facilities built in Texas during the early 20th century, the plant served as a regional electricity provider until the 1960s and played an important role in the development of West Texas’ energy industry and economy.
The structure is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places but has remained vacant for decades. In 2022, Preservation Texas included the property on its “Most Endangered Places” list after the previous owner considered demolition.
Protecting and Reimagining a Community Asset
In response, the Abilene Preservation League worked with the property’s owner to transfer ownership so the structure could be protected and explored for future reuse. American Electric Power ultimately asked the organization to take on that preservation role.
Today, volunteers are actively researching and documenting the history of the WTU facility while partners begin exploring ways to bring the site back to life.