Old Chicago Water Tower District, Historical district in Near North Side, Chicago, US.
The Old Chicago Water Tower District is a historic neighborhood on Chicago's North Side that runs along Michigan Avenue between Chicago and Pearson Streets. The area contains stone and brick buildings dating to the 1800s, including the famous limestone water tower and surrounding structures that supported the city's water systems.
The water tower was completed in 1869 and survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 when most surrounding structures were destroyed. Its survival became a powerful symbol of the city's resilience and shaped its role in the decades of reconstruction that followed.
The area developed as an artistic quarter in the early 1900s, drawing painters and writers who established galleries and studios around the tower. The neighborhood's creative identity shaped how the buildings were designed and how people still move through the space today.
The district sits along Michigan Avenue with numerous shops, restaurants, and cafes throughout the area. Public transportation stops nearby, making it straightforward to reach on foot or by transit.
The tower was built from limestone and now houses the City Gallery, which displays works by local photographers and artists. Visitors can explore the interior and see contemporary art exhibitions that form a modern contrast to the historic exterior.
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