Ypsilanti Water Tower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Ypsilanti Water Works Stand Pipe
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Ypsilanti Water Tower
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 Location in Michigan
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| Location | Ypsilanti, Michigan |
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| Built | 1890 |
| Architect | William R. Coats |
| NRHP reference No. | 81000318 |
| Added to NRHP | October 26, 1981 |
The Ypsilanti Water Tower is a famous water tower in Ypsilanti, Michigan, United States. It's a really old and important building!
A person named William R. Coats designed the tower. It was part of a big project to bring water to the city. Building it started in 1889. The tower was finished in 1890. It cost about $21,435 back then. This tower stands on the highest spot in Ypsilanti. Because of its unique shape and location, people often use it to give directions. It's a true landmark!
Contents
History of the Water Tower
Early Water Rules
In 1898, the city made rules for people using running water. How much you paid depended on how many water taps you had. It also depended on your business or if you owned animals. For example, a home with one tap cost $5.00 a year. A private bathtub cost an extra $2.00. There were rules about paying for water services.
Building the Tower
The builders added at least four crosses to the stonework while building. They hoped this would protect them from harm. One cross is above the west door. Another is a special Greek cross on the east side. Two more crosses are inside the tower. The tower was fully finished on February 3, 1890. It cost about $21,368 to build.
Later Years and Recognition
This tower was the only water tower in Ypsilanti until 1956. The Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority started taking care of it in 1974. That same year, the American Water Works Association named it an American and Canadian Water Landmark. This means it's a very important water site. The Michigan Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers also called it a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. The tower was fixed up in 1976 to keep it looking good.
How the Tower Looks
Tower Design and Materials
The outside of the tower was designed in the popular Queen Anne style. This style was less formal than others. It often used different shapes, especially towers. Queen Anne buildings also had more decorations.
The tower is made of stone. It stands on the highest point of the city, on Summit Street. The stone used is called Joliet limestone. The tower is about 147 feet (45 meters) tall. Its base is about 85 feet (26 meters) wide. The walls at the bottom are 40 inches (100 cm) thick. They get thinner towards the top, becoming 24 inches (61 cm) thick.
Water Storage and Purpose
The tower holds a huge steel tank. This tank can hold 250,000 US gallons (950,000 liters) of water! When it was first built, it had two jobs. It stored water, of course. But the falling water also helped make electricity. This electricity powered the city's street lamps at night.
Statue at the Base
At the bottom of the water tower, there is a marble statue. It's a bust (a head and shoulders statue) of Demetrius Ypsilanti. This statue stands between a Greek flag and a U.S. flag. The city of Ypsilanti is actually named after this hero. He was important in helping Greece become independent.
Images for kids
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Bust of Demetrius Ypsilanti. Notice the cross in the stonework over the entrance.
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A cross inside the tower.
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Another cross inside the tower.
