Highland Park Tower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Highland Park Tower
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The Highland Park Tower from the northwest
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| Location | 1570 Highland Parkway Saint Paul, Minnesota |
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| Built | 1928 |
| Architect | Clarence W. Wigington; Frank X. Tewes |
| NRHP reference No. | 86001670 |
| Added to NRHP | July 17, 1986 |
The Highland Park Water Tower is a famous landmark in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It is located in the Highland Park area of the city. This special building is not just a place to store water; it's also a beautiful piece of history.
The tower was designed by Clarence W. Wigington. He was the first African-American municipal architect in the United States. The Highland Park Water Tower was finished in 1928. It cost about $69,483 to build. In 1986, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.
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Discover the Highland Park Water Tower
The Highland Park Water Tower is built on one of Saint Paul's highest hills. It has eight sides, making it an octagon shape. The tower is made from strong brick and beautiful cut stone. This stone is called Kasota and Bedford stone.
A Tower of History and Design
The tower stands between 127 and 134 feet tall. That's about as tall as a 12-story building! Inside, it holds a huge steel tank. This tank can store 200,000 gallons of water. That's enough water to fill many swimming pools!
The tower reaches 440 feet above sea level at its highest point. Its base is 40 feet wide. The top observation deck is 36 feet wide. The tower looks almost exactly the same as when it was first built.
Climb to the Top!
At the very top of the tower, there is an arched observation deck. This deck offers amazing views of the city. You can visit the observation deck on two special days each year. These are during Highland Fest and on the second weekend in October.
To reach the top, you need to climb 151 steps. It's a great way to see Saint Paul from above! Below the observation deck, you can see cool decorations. These include carved downspouts and shields.
Who Designed This Landmark?
The Highland Park Water Tower was designed by Clarence W. Wigington. He was a very important architect. He designed many buildings in Saint Paul. His work helped shape the city's look.
The tower was built to help provide water to a large area of Saint Paul. This area was bounded by Dayton Avenue, Edgcumbe Road, and Fairview Avenue. Today, the tower is no longer used to actively store water. However, it remains a beloved landmark and a symbol of the community.
