Old Fresno Water Tower, Fresno
The Old Fresno Water Tower is an iconic example of American Romanesque architecture. Standing at 109 feet tall, this historic structure was designed by Chicago architect George Washington Maher and completed in 1894. The water tower boasts a storage capacity of 250,000 gallons, housed within its tank. Constructed of red brick, each layer tapers to create a beehive effect. The tower features a robust two-foot-thick inner wall and an outer wall approximately fourteen inches thick, with a three-foot-wide hollow space between them. The exterior brickwork is painted, enhancing its visual appeal.
Originally, the design included plans for three floors beneath the water tank; however, only the second floor was completed, and it was later removed. Despite these changes, the water tower鈥檚 unique structure and purpose have cemented its status as a significant architectural and historical landmark in Fresno. The tower served the city until 1963, when advances in pumping technology rendered its machinery obsolete.
Throughout its history, the Old Fresno Water Tower has undergone various functional transformations. While the original design envisioned a library on the upper floors, this plan was never realized. Instead, the first floor was repurposed as a parking meter repair facility for several years. In 2001, significant renovations were undertaken to repurpose the interior of the tower into a visitors' center for the City and County of Fresno. This remodeling included the removal of the second floor and the creation of a landscaped plaza and a separate restroom building adjacent to the tower.
Originally, the design included plans for three floors beneath the water tank; however, only the second floor was completed, and it was later removed. Despite these changes, the water tower鈥檚 unique structure and purpose have cemented its status as a significant architectural and historical landmark in Fresno. The tower served the city until 1963, when advances in pumping technology rendered its machinery obsolete.
Throughout its history, the Old Fresno Water Tower has undergone various functional transformations. While the original design envisioned a library on the upper floors, this plan was never realized. Instead, the first floor was repurposed as a parking meter repair facility for several years. In 2001, significant renovations were undertaken to repurpose the interior of the tower into a visitors' center for the City and County of Fresno. This remodeling included the removal of the second floor and the creation of a landscaped plaza and a separate restroom building adjacent to the tower.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Fresno. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Old Fresno Water Tower on Map
Sight Name: Old Fresno Water Tower
Sight Location: Fresno, USA (See walking tours in Fresno)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Fresno, USA (See walking tours in Fresno)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Fresno, California
Create Your Own Walk in Fresno
Creating your own self-guided walk in Fresno is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Buildings Walking Tour
Fresno, California, boasts a variety of historical buildings that reflect its growth from a small agricultural community to a bustling city. Collectively, these buildings preserve Fresno's past but also contribute to its vibrant urban fabric, blending historical significance with modern vitality.
The Meux Home Museum, an elegant Victorian mansion, offers a glimpse into 19th-century life... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
The Meux Home Museum, an elegant Victorian mansion, offers a glimpse into 19th-century life... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Fresno Downtown Walking Tour
Nestled in the heart of California's fertile San Joaquin Valley, Fresno is a city rich in history and cultural vibrancy.
The area's first European exploration began in 1772 with the arrival of Pedro Fages, a Spanish soldier and explorer, who later served as the first Lieutenant Governor of the California province. Fresno County, established in 1856 after the California Gold Rush, was... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
The area's first European exploration began in 1772 with the arrival of Pedro Fages, a Spanish soldier and explorer, who later served as the first Lieutenant Governor of the California province. Fresno County, established in 1856 after the California Gold Rush, was... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles