City of Ypsilanti, Michigan

Location: Intersection of W Cross and Washtenaw Streets

A testament to Ypsilanti's heritage, the Water Tower was selected as an American Water Landmark in 1975 by the American Water Works Association.  The first to be selected in Michigan, the tower is one of several sites in the nation known for its historical significance to the community for a water supply.  The tower was also recognized in 1987 by the Ypsilanti Heritage Foundation for its contribution to the City's historic architecture and was recognized as a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1996 by the Michigan Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers. 

Built on the highest point in the City, the tower was completed in 1890 and has been in continuous service since that time.  The tower's steel tank has capacity for 250,000 gallons of water.  Designed by construction engineer W.R. Coats, the tower rests on a concrete mortar foundation, and the thick walls are composed of Joliet stone.  A unique feature of the tower are the three stone crosses, one over the west door and two inside the tower, which were incorporated in the stone work by the local laborers in the belief that it afforded them protection during construction.

Tours are occasionally scheduled during the Ypsilanti Heritage Festival in August.  For more information contact the Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority at (734) 484-4600.