Marysville Power Plant

Marysville Power Plant

Company type	Coal-fired power plant (former)
Industry	Energy
Founded	1914
Defunct	2012
Fate	Demolished (2015)
Headquarters	Marysville , United States
Area served	Metro Detroit area, Michigan
Owner	DTE Energy (until sale in 2013)

The Marysville Power Plant, often referred to as the Mighty Marysville, was a coal-powered electricity generation facility located in Marysville, Michigan along the St. Clair River. The plant was dismantled on November 7, 2015, after the land was transferred to a development company.

History of the Property

Originally, the site housed a lumber mill dating back to 1690, recognized as the earliest European settlement within St. Clair County, Michigan. In 1817, the area was settled by legislator and entrepreneur Zephaniah W. Bunce, who named the community "Bunceville" and designated a nearby waterway as "Bunce Creek." These small settlements eventually combined to form Marysville in the late 19th century. The construction of the power plant necessitated the removal of the Bunce family homestead and the diversion of Bunce Creek beneath the facility. A commemorative rock and plaque honoring the original homestead are located on what was once Detroit Edison property.

History of the Plant

To address increasing electricity needs north of Metro Detroit, construction commenced in 1914. Power generation began in 1922 with two operational units, followed by the addition of two more units in 1926. During the mid-1940s, an upgrade known as the "high side" introduced steam turbines operating at higher pressure, each connected to 75MW generators. At its operational peak, roughly 300 personnel oversaw a combined capacity of 300MW from both low and high side units. The facility experienced a shutdown period between 1988 and 1992, after which it operated mainly with two high side units totaling 150MW until another idling occurred in 2001. The plant was officially retired in 2012 and subsequently placed on the market for redevelopment opportunities.

Demolition and Implosion

In 2012, DTE Energy put the property up for sale and conducted an auction to dispose of valuable plant equipment. The land was acquired by Commercial Development Corporation in 2013. Demolition activities commenced shortly thereafter, including tearing down the turbine hall and an historic clubhouse. The final structure, the boiler house, was demolished via implosion on November 7, 2015.

Plans for redeveloping this site involve constructing a hotel, residential condominiums, and a marina.

See also

• List of power stations in Michigan