Historic Water Tower

About this place

The landmark Chicago Water Tower is located at North Michigan Avenue and was built by architect William W. Boyington. The Chicago Water Tower is a landmark structure built in 1869 that survived the great fire of 1871. The limestone building looks more like a palace or a folly than a water tower and features well executed stonework and several smaller towers in addition to its centrepiece. The main tower rises 154 ft high and now stands somewhat small against the area's skyscrapers. Although the tower no longer functions it was chosen by the American Water Works Association as the first American Water Landmark in the United States.