High above the treetops stands the Washburn Park Water Tower a majestic structure in south Minneapolis. Its castle-like architecture is striking. It’s partially hidden by homes and trees yet undeniably grand.
This isn’t just any water tower. The Washburn Park Water Tower is a historic landmark. Built in 1931 it’s one of three stone water towers built in Minneapolis during the early 20th century. Its design is Art Deco a style reflecting the era’s optimism and modernization. The architect Harry Wild Jones also designed other Minneapolis landmarks. He incorporated modern hydro-engineering methods into the tower’s design.
The tower has a fascinating history. Originally a smaller tower was built in 1893. It supplied water to the Memorial Orphan Asylum. The city later bought it connecting it to the city water supply. The current 110-foot-high tower replaced the older one. Its construction provided jobs during the Great Depression a time of significant hardship.
But the Washburn Park Water Tower has more than just practicality. Eight imposing concrete sculptures called Guardians of Health surround the base. They’re nearly 30 feet tall weighing about 8 tons each. These weren’t just decorative additions. They were meant to symbolically prevent water contamination. Typhoid fever outbreaks were a concern then.
There’s even a story about eagles. During the construction of his nearby home Jones was attacked by a giant eagle. This inspired the eight eagle sculptures atop the tower each with an 8-foot wingspan. They are a testament to a unique incident in the tower’s construction history.
The Washburn Park Water Tower no longer supplies water to the neighborhood. Today it’s filled and drained seasonally. It helps maintain water pressure in south Minneapolis during summer. It’s a reminder of a time when water towers were essential. They were also important architectural features and community focal points. The Washburn Park Water Tower stands as a testament to both its functionality and artistic design. It remains a beloved and iconic landmark of Minneapolis.