Watertoren Aalsmeer

In 1926, a vision began to take shape on the edge of the Westeinderplassen. This vision was the Watertoren Aalsmeer. The construction of this magnificent water tower, a beacon of Art Deco design, spanned two years, culminating in its completion in 1928. Watertoren Aalsmeer stands tall at 50 meters, a dominant presence against the backdrop of the Westeinderplassen. It was designed by Hendrik Sangster, a renowned architect who left his mark on twenty water towers across the Netherlands. The intricate Art Deco ornamentation is a testament to Sangster’s skill and the era’s aesthetic. The Watertoren Aalsmeer wasn’t just a beautiful structure. It served a vital purpose, supplying drinking water to the communities of Aalsmeer, Haarlemmermeer, Uithoorn, and Bennebroek. The water, sourced from the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen (Amsterdam Water Supply Dunes), was stored in two large concrete reservoirs within the tower, one holding 520 cubic meters and the other 480 cubic meters. A smaller reservoir, with a capacity of 160 cubic meters, also contributed to the tower’s storage capabilities. Imagine the network of 452 wooden piles, each 15 meters long, supporting this impressive structure. The Watertoren Aalsmeer faithfully performed its duty until 1994 when it was decommissioned. In 1997, the tower was acquired by the municipality of Aalsmeer. Various plans for the tower’s future were considered. One such plan involved selling it to a private party who envisioned transforming it into a hotel. This proposal was met with resistance from Aalsmeer residents who wished for the tower to remain accessible to the public. Their efforts paid off. Today, the Watertoren Aalsmeer is managed by the Stichting Beheer Watertoren Aalsmeer. This foundation ensures the tower is open to the public several times a year. Since 2008, the Watertoren Aalsmeer has also served as a unique and memorable wedding venue. High above, peregrine falcons have found a home. A nesting box was installed in 2005, and while the first breeding attempt in 2010 was unsuccessful, these majestic birds have successfully raised their young here every year since 2011. The Watertoren Aalsmeer is more than just a water tower. It’s a symbol of Aalsmeer’s history, a testament to architectural ingenuity, and a cherished landmark that continues to serve the community in new and exciting ways.