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The Compton Hill Water Tower is a remnant of another time. When it
was built, William McKinley was president, and the population of St.
Louis was just over half a million. The water tower was built on a 36
acre park, called Reservoir Park, where the wealthier families of
German descent chose to make their homes. But the city was outgrowing
the existing water delivery system. The pumps used to send water
through the city created dangerous surges in pressure,
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making pipes
rattle and shake. In an effort to equalize water pressure, a 5 feet
wide, 100 feet tall standpipe was installed. For cosmetic appeal, the
tower was built in 1898 to camouflage the standpipe.
Built in a French Romanesque style, rusticated limestone, buff brick
and terra cotta color its facades. A griffin carved in limestone and
vine like scrolls on the base carry the themes of the structure into
its details. Inside, iron steps spiral around the standpipe. On the
top of the tower, under a bell-shaped roof of terra cotta tiles, is
an observation deck offering a 360-degree view of St. Louis city.
The Compton Hill Water Tower at Grand and Russell Boulevards was
opened for service in 1899. At 179 feet, the water tower dominates
South Grand Boulevard and serves as a source of pride and identity
for the surrounding neighborhoods.
Reservoir Park's beautifully landscaped grounds with water lily
ponds and fountains drew as many as 5,000 people during the 1904
World's Fair. Visitors enjoyed promenading around the reservoir on
pleasant days.
When the Stacy Park Reservoir went into service in 1929, the Compton
Hill Tower was retired, but the reservoir remained in operation.
Although the Compton Hill standpipe was no longer needed, the tower
was occasionally opened to the public for tours. Visitors could climb
the interior stairs to the observation room near the top and get one
of the best views of the city. David Visintainer, St. Louis City
Water Commissioner, said, "On a clear day, you can see to the
south all the way to the Jefferson Barracks Bridge on the Mississippi River."
Water towers are a rarity today. Once over 400 water towers
punctuated the skylines of American cities and towns. St. Louis can
claim three of the seven remaining water towers in the United States.
All St. Louis' water towers have been declared Historical Landmarks.
The Compton Hill Tower was declared a city landmark in 1966, added to
the National Registry of Historic Places in 1972.
However, the tower had to be closed to the public in 1984 when it was
discovered that asbestos surrounded the metal tank in the tower's
core. For more than ten years the water tower stood untouched and
deterioration took over. Asbestos was exposed, large cracks were
forming, windows were missing or broken, and the terra cotta roof
needed repairs.
Meanwhile, the reservoir was still in use, but if repairs were not
made soon, problems were imminent. Architectural detail on walls had
weathered away and the walls and roof were crumbling. Not only was
the reservoir vulnerable in an earthquake, but its roof would have
been replaced in a short time or risk contaminants leaking into the
water. The existing system of pipes delivering water to and from the
reservoir was also inefficient. Water pumped into the reservoir was
often immediately pulled out for use; allowing water already in the
reservoir to grow "stale". Before this became a water
purity problem, water company officials wanted to take steps to
correct the problems.
In 1995, city officials faced the difficult decision of demolishing,
replacing or restoring the water tower and reservoir. Surrounding
neighborhoods were very vocal about keeping the landmark preserved.
After months of studying and several public hearings,
a $19 million
renovation began.
The renovation was completed in April, 1999. The completion
of the tower were celebrated
with a festival that included music, food, entertainment, and tours
of the tower.
The
Compton Hill/Reservoir Square Neighborhood Association frequently opens the tower
to the public for touring. Check the Events Calendar for exact dates on when the
tower will be opened, or send us an e-mail for more information.
Also, check out the Water Department's home page for information on
the other historic water towers in St. Louis.
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