El Con Tower: A Tucson Landmark

4.8 (6)

Discover El Con Tower in Tucson: A historic landmark blending Spanish Colonial Revival architecture with the charm of the Sonoran Desert.

Home
Arizona
Pima County
El Con Tower

El Con Tower, a historic water tower in Tucson's Colonia Solana neighborhood, stands as an architectural gem reflecting the city's cultural heritage. Built in 1928 and enhanced in 1932 with a Spanish Colonial Revival style exterior, it's a beloved landmark and a reminder of Tucson's past.

A brief summary to El Con Tower

136 south, 174 Randolph Way, Tucson, Colonia Solana, Arizona, 85716, US
Click to display
Click to display

Local tips

Visit during sunset for beautiful views and photo opportunities.
Explore the nearby parks to enjoy the serene ambiance surrounding the historic site.
View the tower from the Bank of America parking lot at 3480 East Broadway Boulevard for an unobstructed perspective.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Reid Park Zoo

Reid Park Zoo: A Tucson Treasure

Cele Peterson Rose Garden

Cele Peterson Rose Garden: A Tucson Oasis

Himmel Park

Himmel Park: A Tucson Oasis

Getting There

Walking

El Con Tower is located at 136 South Randolph Way. If you are near El Con Mall, walk south on Randolph Way. The tower will be on your left, in the middle of an apartment complex parking lot. Be mindful of traffic in the parking lot.
Public Transport

Tucson's public transportation is currently free. Several Sun Tran bus routes serve the area. The closest bus stops are Broadway/Randolph Way (a 4-minute walk) and Broadway/Alvernon (a 9-minute walk). Check Sun Tran routes 8, 11, and 17 for service to these stops.
Ride Share

Use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft to reach El Con Tower. Set your destination to 136 South Randolph Way, Tucson, AZ 85716. The fare from central Tucson typically ranges from $10 to $20. The drop-off point is directly in front of the tower.
Car

If driving, head towards the intersection of East 6th Street and South Alvernon Way. Take South Alvernon Way south to East 22nd Street, then turn left. Continue to South Randolph Way and turn left again. El Con Tower is at 136 South Randolph Way. Ample street parking is available, but check for restrictions.

Discover more about El Con Tower

Located in the Colonia Solana neighborhood, El Con Tower is a prominent landmark with a rich history. Constructed in 1928 to provide water to the developing Colonia Solana and El Encanto subdivisions, it initially was just a standard steel water tower. However, residents considered it an eyesore, leading the developer to hire Tucson architect Roy Place to design an enclosure.In 1932, Place created an ornate structure of chicken wire and plaster in the Spanish Colonial Revival style to conceal the tank. The 90-foot tower features an octagonal cupola with red Spanish tile, arched windows, and twisted columns. A wrought-iron weathervane designed by Josias Joesler, depicting a prospector and his donkey, sits at the apex.While the tower ceased serving the water system in 1944, it remains a cherished landmark. The city has faced occasional threats to demolish the structure due to maintenance costs, but public opposition has successfully preserved it. El Con Tower was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and restored in 1994. Today, it stands as a reminder of Tucson's history and architectural heritage.