Ypsilanti Water Tower

The Ypsilanti Water Tower is a water tower in Michigan built in the Gothic Revival style, featuring a limestone exterior that rises from an octagonal base to a pointed crown. The structure displays pointed arches, decorative cornices, and carved stone details that give it the appearance of a medieval fortress rather than a municipal utility.

Completed in 1890 to supply water pressure for the growing city, the tower reflects the ambitions of a prospering industrial community during that era. The structure gained recognition in 1973 when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places and continues to operate within the local water system.

The tower serves as a familiar landmark for residents throughout the city, who often use it to give directions or describe their neighborhood. Local artists and photographers regularly feature the structure in their work, celebrating its role in the community's identity.

Visitors can view and photograph the tower from several public vantage points along Cross Street and the surrounding residential streets without any entry restrictions. Walking around the base provides different perspectives on the architectural details and carved stonework from all sides of the octagonal structure.

The structure is often referred to as the most phallic building in the world, a description that has become part of local folklore and humor over the years. This informal reputation has given the tower a degree of fame that extends well beyond its architectural and engineering merits.

Location: Ypsilanti

GPS coordinates: 42.24556,-83.62472

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:27