Chicago Water Tower

The Chicago Water Tower is one of the oldest buildings and landmarks in Chicago. It is a water pumping station originally meant for firefighters.

Overview
The Chicago Water Tower is located on 806 Michigan Avenue alongside Magnificent Mile. It was built by William W. Boyington. The building is 182.5 feet tall and contains a large water pump, used to draw water from Lake Michigan. Its purpose is to be used for firefighting.

History
The Chicago Water Tower was erected in 1869, designed by architect William W. Boyington, and built with yellowing Lemont limestone. It originally sheltered a 138-foot tall standpipe used for firefighting purposes, aswell as to regulate water flow in the area. In conjunction with the nearby Chicago Avenue Pumping Station, it drew clean water from water cribs in Lake Michigan.

It was one of the few structures - and the only public building - to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The Tower was labeled an American Water Landmark in 1969.