A castellated monstrosity with pepper-boxes. That’s how Oscar Wilde described the Brookfield Water Tower. Or rather the Chicago Water Tower. But the description stuck. It certainly describes the unique architecture of this magnificent structure. This iconic landmark stands tall a testament to Chicago’s resilience.
Before us stands the Chicago Water Tower. Completed in 1869 it’s one of the oldest water towers in the United States. It was built by architect William W Boyington. He used Lemont limestone for the construction. The tower housed a 138-foot standpipe. This held water drawn from Lake Michigan. The standpipe equalized water pressure across the city. The adjacent pumping station worked together with the tower.
The tower became famous for surviving the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Most buildings in the area were destroyed. The Water Tower remained. This solidified its place in Chicago history. It became a symbol of the city’s strength. People rebuilt after the devastating fire. The tower witnessed this remarkable recovery.
Interestingly the pumping station’s roof caught fire. The pumps stopped working during the blaze. This meant the tower couldn’t supply water to fight the fire. Yet the structure itself survived. Its survival is a strange and ironic twist of fate.
The tower wasn’t always loved. Wilde’s words still echo. Yet the tower’s unique Gothic Revival style inspired designs. Some White Castle restaurants were designed to mirror this style. The tower is certainly a one-of-a-kind landmark. It’s an enduring symbol of Chicago. The Chicago Water Tower stands as a reminder of a city’s spirit and perseverance. It stands in a small park now named for former Mayor Jane Byrne. The tower continues to stand tall. It’s a beautiful and iconic symbol of Chicago’s history and resilience.