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Bissell Street Water Tower: A Victorian Landmark

Discover the historic Bissell Street Water Tower in St. Louis: a stunning Victorian-era landmark with a rich history and unique architectural design.

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The Bissell Street Water Tower, also known as the 'New Red' tower, is a historic standpipe water tower in St. Louis, Missouri. Completed in 1886, it stands as a reminder of the city's 19th-century water system. Its Victorian architectural style and Moorish minaret design make it a unique and picturesque landmark.

A brief summary to Bissell Street Water Tower

  • 1423 Bissell St, St. Louis, College Hill, Missouri, 63107, US

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best natural lighting for photographs.
  • Explore the surrounding College Hill neighborhood to appreciate the architectural styles influenced by the tower.
  • Check for local events or community festivals that may be happening in the area.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Bissell Street Water Tower using public transportation, start from downtown St. Louis and utilize the MetroBus system. Several bus routes serve the area near the tower. Check the Metro Transit website or app for the most up-to-date route information and schedules. A one-ride fare on MetroBus is $1. You can pay with cash (exact change), or purchase tickets through the Transit app.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the College Hill neighborhood, walking to the Bissell Street Water Tower is a straightforward option. The tower is located at 1423 Bissell St, St. Louis, MO 63107. Use a map app to guide you to the intersection of Bissell Street and Blair Avenue. There are no specific costs associated with walking.

  • Driving

    When driving to the Bissell Street Water Tower, use a GPS navigation system to reach 1423 Bissell St, St. Louis, MO 63107. Limited parking is available near the water tower, with additional street parking options nearby. Parking availability may vary. Check for any parking restrictions or fees on nearby streets. Since the area is not in downtown St. Louis, parking costs are unlikely. Downtown St. Louis parking garages charge hourly rates.

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Discover more about Bissell Street Water Tower

The Bissell Street Water Tower, affectionately called the 'New Red' tower, is a captivating historical landmark located in St. Louis's College Hill neighborhood. Erected in 1885-86, the 194-foot-tall tower was a crucial component of the city's first modern water distribution system, ensuring improved fire protection and sanitation, which aided the city's physical expansion. Designed by William S. Eames, its architecture is reminiscent of a Moorish minaret, showcasing a Victorian-era aesthetic. Constructed with red brick, light gray stone, and terra cotta, the tower exudes a 'Victorian seriousness, lofty but solid'. The tower remained in service until 1912. Inside, a spiral staircase once led to a balcony at the top, but it has since been removed. Over the years, the tower faced threats of demolition, but passionate neighborhood preservationists rallied to save it. A renovation in the 1970s, supported by a U.S. Department of the Interior grant matched by the city, ensured its preservation as a landmark. Today, the Bissell Street Water Tower stands as a testament to St. Louis's history, architecture, and the community's dedication to preserving its unique landmarks.

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