Raleigh Water Tower, Water tower on Capitol Area Historic District, North Carolina
Raleigh Water Tower is an octagonal structure built with Colonial Revival architecture in the Capitol Area Historic District. The main tower connects to a two-story adjacent building with a maintenance shop situated behind.
The tower was built in 1887 as part of Raleigh's municipal water system that drew water from Walnut Creek. It ceased its original water supply function in 1924 but remained a standing structure downtown.
The building once brought together regional architects who met here to discuss their designs and ideas. Today it reflects how professionals shaped the development of the city.
The structure sits in downtown Raleigh within walking distance of other historic sites. Today you can access law offices and interactive escape room experiences housed within the tower.
In 1938 the interior was transformed when nine heart pine columns were removed to create four new floors inside. This conversion allowed the tower to serve entirely new purposes beyond its original design.
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