A Gothic Revival structure built in 1881,[1] it was constructed to house the city's waterworks and power plant.

[2] From 1881 to 1882, Chillicothe constructed a water supply system; among the elements of this system were a well, a massive reservoir, the pumping station in Yoctangee Park, and water mains to supply all parts of the city.

A single-story building with a two-and-a-story tower,[2] it is a brick structure with a foundation of sandstone and a slate roof.

[3] By the late 1970s, Chillicothe had erected a new waterworks, and its electricity was supplied by other sources; consequently, the old building was abandoned.

Ideas were proposed for its renovation and preservation: plans were laid for its conversion into a community center,[2] and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places late in 1979.