Hazen Water Tower

The Hazen Water Tower is a water storage facility on Des Moines' west side, supported by 15 concrete columns in the Tuscan style and topped with a large storage tank. The structure continues to function for its original purpose while serving as a landmark within Tower Park.

The tower was designed by engineer Clinton Mackenzie between 1930 and 1931 and named after Allen Hazen, a pioneer in water treatment methods. Hazen passed away before the structure was completed, making it a posthumous tribute to his engineering contributions.

The structure displays Neoclassical design inspired by Roman waterworks, reflecting how early 20th-century cities invested in impressive public infrastructure. This landmark became a symbol of municipal progress and engineering pride for the community.

The facility is located along Hickman Road on the west side and is accessible through Tower Park, where visitors can view it from the outside. The surrounding park provides a good vantage point for viewing and photographing the structure.

A large directional arrow once sat atop the tower to guide pilots toward Des Moines airport, serving as an aviation navigation aid during the early aviation era. This kind of rooftop landmark helped planes locate their bearings before modern navigation systems were available.

Location: Des Moines

GPS coordinates: 41.61428,-93.68392

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:20