Mazarin hydroelectric power station

This hydroelectric power station was built by Gustave Adolphe Clément to power his construction plant, La Macérienne, on the site of the old Mazarin mill in Mézières, at the foot of the ramparts. The work lasted from 1896 to 1898 and the power station was not commissioned until 1904. It was sold to a private company in 1984 when La Macérienne closed down. In 1904, three Teisset-Brault Chapron Francis-type turbines, each with 187 bhp, coupled to Westinghouse alternators and Ribourt speed regulators, produced 2200 volts. In 1924, these installations were replaced by the equipment still in use. A seven-tonne overhead travelling crane built by Gustin de Deville was used for maintenance operations. During its operation, the electrician and chief engineer lived in the three flats next to the power station. Four other employees were needed to ensure production.
The power station has a basement level for maintenance work on the turbines. It is built entirely of limestone with a reinforced concrete roof terrace. The three dwellings (two one-storey square pavilions) frame the street façade.