The generator not only ensures the Inn will remain lit, but that the level of customer service that has helped define the historic landmark will not dwindle.

“The reassurance of always maintaining power is important to the guests and us. It is also part of the overall experience we want to provide our guests. The Inn is the flagship of the square and now will never be dark,” Spinnenweber said.

The generator will power the lobby, elevator, stairhalls, hallways and all of the guestrooms and bathrooms.

Guests will still enjoy all the amenities provided to them through the hotel and Duke Energy, including television, telephone, Internet access, hot water, heating/cooling, light and electrical outlets. Only a damaged telephone pole will cause lost service from either Cincinnati Bell, the local phone company, or Time Warner Cable.

The generator will not issue power to the surrounding shops, National Exemplar and Southerby's Pub.

“With the generator officially installed and online the hotel will never go dark again,“ Spinnenweber said.

The generator is powered by natural gas and is installed behind the hotel in a brick enclosure. It has also been outfitted with special sound damping material so there is minimal sound pollution.

In addition, the hotel owners installed new windows with the highest sound ratings on the market today -- making the rooms above the generator as quiet as the ones on the other side of the building.

“It's absolutely amazing,” Spinnenweber said, adding the generator is so sophisticated that it will automatically test itself every week and alert hotel staff of any problems via a remote panel.