It was built between 1900 and 1909 and is a massive industrial structure with Neo-Classical detailing designed by the architectural firm of Baldwin & Pennington.

[2] The plant, with by-then obsolete equipment, was used sparingly until it was returned to service to meet the World War II production demand for electricity.

[2] After the electric plant was retired from service, the building was vacant several years, eventually becoming acquired by the City of Baltimore.

The Power Plant's more recent tenants have included the first ESPN Zone in the country (opened July 11, 1998; closed June 2010 and replaced by Phillips Seafood, which moved from nearby Harborplace), Hard Rock Cafe (opened July 4, 1997), Barnes & Noble (opened 1998, closed August 28, 2020[5]), Gold's Gym (closed early 2010; and replaced by Pandion Performance Center in June 2015), and loft offices.

[6] Cordish also developed the adjacent Pier IV building, whose tenants include Dick's Last Resort (closed September 2020).