Here it stands a towering icon of Chicago’s resilience. The Chicago Water Tower is more than just a pretty face. It’s a symbol of a city that refused to be extinguished.
Built in 1869 by William Boyington it was designed to conceal a simple standpipe. The standpipe was needed to regulate water surges in the area. Boyington used his signature castellated Gothic Revival style. He built it using distinctive yellow Joliet limestone. This made the Chicago Water Tower look like something straight out of a fairy tale.
By the 1860s Chicago’s water supply was not sufficient for its growing population. Ellis S. Chesbrough designed a water supply tunnel system running nearly two miles offshore to an intake crib. The tunnel brought clean water from Lake Michigan back to a pumping station. The standpipe system was added in 1869 because the original pumps created pressure surges. The Chicago Water Tower housed this standpipe.
Now, let’s address a common misconception. Many believe the Chicago Water Tower was the only building left standing after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. That’s not entirely accurate. While large parts of the south and west sides remained untouched, the Chicago Water Tower became the most iconic survivor. It served as a rallying point. It symbolized the city’s determination to rise from the ashes.
Ironically, the pumping station next to the Chicago Water Tower stopped working during the fire. The roof, not made of limestone, caught fire. It collapsed into the pumps. This halted the water supply needed to combat the blaze. The structure of the Chicago Water Tower itself survived.
Oscar Wilde once called it a “castellated monstrosity with pepper boxes stuck all over it”. Despite his harsh words, the Chicago Water Tower has inspired many. Its castle-like style influenced the design of some White Castle restaurant buildings.
Over the years the Chicago Water Tower has undergone renovations. The first took place from 1913 to 1916. Many limestone blocks were replaced. A second renovation in 1978 focused on interior changes.
Today, the Chicago Water Tower houses the City Gallery. It features work by local photographers, artists, and filmmakers. The small park surrounding the Chicago Water Tower was named Jane M. Byrne Plaza in 2014.
So, as you stand before this historic landmark remember its significance. The Chicago Water Tower embodies Chicago’s spirit. It represents perseverance, innovation, and beauty amidst chaos. It is a reminder that even from ashes a city can rise stronger than before.