The Chicago Water Tower was one of the very few public buildings to survive the 1871 Great Fire. It looks more like a European medieval castle, standing in sharp contrast to the towering modern edifices that dwarfs its elegant limestone symmetric structure.
Wonderful spring-time white blooms adds life to its restful nature, though Oscar Wilde reputed (and unfairly) described it as a "castellated monstrosity with pepper boxes stuck all over it".
Today it acts as a gallery though it was closed as I wandered past walking Chicago's Magnificent Mile.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Photo of the Week: Old Water Tower (Chicago, USA)
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12 comments:
Such beautiful pic just do not have any words to explain its beauty.
Wow - Oscar was pretty harsh! Lovely picture of springtime in Chicago!
@manisha: Thank you
@sherry: Oscar was very harsh - a very elegant building among towering (but grand) skyscrapers
Mark: You didn't miss anything on the inside - sometimes they have a few photos or paintings on exhibit. It's the exterior that's the real attraction. The pump works across the street, which still operate, are worth a look, though. And don't know if you are aware of it, but it was one of the few buildings in the central business district that survived during the great Chicago fire of 1871, making it an even more significant landmark.
@barbara: I glimpsed at the Pump House but didn't go in. Though it was cold when I was there, I love the whole architecture of Chicago - the buildings have a tremendous elegance.
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!
@anonymous: Thank you for your kind words
I've only seen the Old Water Tower in a frigid November and a hot, humid July...so I really enjoyed seeing it here with the spring flowers!
@dominique: I spent one visit in Chicago in winter and for a Sydney-based person, I simply couldn't believe the cold. The temperature seemed to sneak in past the best of clothing defences chilling the bones in seconds.
The building does resemble European castle. Excellent architecture!!
@venezia: I love the turrets. Seems a little strange when you find out that it is a water tower.
I really liked the article, and the very cool blog
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