Nevada City Substation Now a County Landmark

NEVADA CITY — The Nevada County Historical Landmarks Commission is delighted to announce that on May 27, 2025, the Board of Supervisors designated the Nevada City Substation at 505 Factory Street as Nevada County Historical Landmark NEV 25-05.

The Rome Power House was the first hydroelectric generating plant built on the South Yuba River and served mines in the area. This led to the electrification of Nevada City and helped give birth to California’s hydroelectric power industry. Its founders merged California Gas and Electric Co. with the San Francisco Gas and Electric Co. to create the Pacific Gas and Electric Co. in 1905.

The Rome Power House began operating in 1896 and generated power at 5500 volts. Shortly thereafter, the Substation was constructed. The power from the Power House was transmitted across an 8-mile-long pole line to the Substation, where it was “stepped down” or reduced to 1000 volts for distribution to Nevada City homes and businesses. The Substation was an essential part of the infrastructure that brought electricity to the area.

The Substation passed into private use about 50 years ago and is presently undergoing a major renovation under the careful direction of owner Gaby Brink, who is to be commended for her commitment to preserving the historic structure.

This landmark will be featured in the Commission’s Interactive map and in the next edition of its book Exploring Nevada County, a guide to all the County’s historical landmarks. The book is available in electronic format for any smartphone or tablet from Apple or Amazon. Go to You Bet Press at sites.google.com/view/you-bet-press/home to find clickable links.

The purpose of the Nevada County Historical Landmarks Commission is to promote the general welfare of Nevada County and its citizens through official recognition, recording, marking, preserving, and promoting the historical resources of Nevada County. For more information, call 530-264-0115.