How about a giant landmark? The North Park Water Tower is one. It’s iconic. It’s historic. It’s big. Really big.
Let’s talk about this impressive structure. The North Park Water Tower looms large over San Diego. It stands at 127 feet. That is quite a sight.
Built in 1924, the Water Tower provided better water pressure. It served the quickly growing area around it. The structure is unique. It features a full hemispherical bottom. It is an elevated riveted steel plate water storage tank. Twelve Z-laced girder steel legs support it. It is the only known example of its kind in Southern California. Perhaps even the entire western United States.
Back in 1924, it was thought to be the “largest elevated tank in the world.” It could hold 1.2 million gallons of water. That’s a lot of water.
The North Park Historical Society supported efforts to recognize it. On June 25, 2013, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It’s part of the University Heights Water Storage and Pumping Station Historic District. The City of San Diego owns it. It sits in an active water supply facility complex.
You might be surprised. The soccer fields nearby are actually on top of an active water supply reservoir. This reservoir can hold up to 5 million gallons of water. It serves today’s neighborhoods.
Sadly, the Water Tower has been empty since the 1990s. New seismic criteria were implemented. These accounted for the dynamics of sloshing water. Because of this, water bill revenue cannot be used for its maintenance.
The American Society of Civil Engineers recognized its importance in 2015. They designated it a local historic civil engineering landmark. This honored its design. It also recognized its contribution to San Diego’s early urban growth.
The North Park Water Tower’s image has inspired many artists. You can find its image on everything. This includes paintings, digital art and even tattoos.
You can get a close-up view of the Water Tower. Visit North Park Community Park. It’s at Howard Avenue and Idaho Street. See if it inspires you to create your own art.
The North Park Water Tower is more than just a water tank. It’s a symbol of community. It’s a reminder of the past. It is an inspiration for the future.