El Con Tower: A Tucson Landmark

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.