Highland Park Tower

Highland Park Tower is a water storage tower in Saint Paul with a distinctive octagonal shape built from brick and stone. The structure rises approximately 127 feet above the neighborhood and features carefully crafted exterior surfaces throughout.

The tower was designed in 1928 by Clarence W. Wigington, the first African-American municipal architect in the United States. His design was pioneering for its time and set a new standard for public infrastructure buildings in the region.

The tower displays Mediterranean Revival features with carved stone shields and lion-head reliefs adorning its exterior. These ornamental details give the structure a refined quality that sets it apart from typical water towers.

The observation deck is accessible only during special events like Highland Fest and the second weekend of October. The 151 steps to reach the viewing platform require moderate fitness and mobility.

The tower originally held water in a large steel tank and supplied thousands of households across the area. After its decommissioning in 2017, it became a landmark that preserves the area's architectural heritage.

Location: Highland Park

Inception: 1928

Architects: Clarence W. Wigington

GPS coordinates: 44.91764,-93.16661

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:03