I knew there was an observation deck on the top of the North Park water tower but I had no idea that the entire observation deck had such amazing style. If only we were allowed up!
https://www.northlandlocalhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Standpipe-plans-Commemora.pdf
A Short History
The design for the North Park Water Tower was submitted on July 9, 1936 and construction began sometime that same fall. The picture below is of the construction on November 6, 1936.
https://historicpittsburgh.org/islandora/object/pitt:20100001-hpicnpl-1191
The North Park Water Tower (sometimes referred to as a standpipe) stands 101.6 feet tall. The storage tank itself is 81 feet tall with a diameter of 25 feet and would hold 300,000 gallons of water.
Courtesy of a friend of North Park.
To reach the observation deck, you would ascend 154 steps wrapping around the water tower itself. From the observation deck, on a clear day, you can reportedly see the Cathedral of Learning, BNY Mellon, and the Steel Tower. (They certainly are tiny in the picture.)
Courtesy of a friend of North Park.
But what I didn’t know until recently is that the observation deck is decorated with an amazing mural.
Architectural Plans
At the center of the observation deck is a circular seat which would afford you a great view from any angle you choose. On the floor of the observation deck is a mural of compass with several of the zodiacs I assume, in the direction of where you would see them in the night sky.
https://www.northlandlocalhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Standpipe-plansTerrazzo-Flo.pdf
Cancer
https://www.northlandlocalhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Standpipe-plans-Cancer2.pdf
Capricorn
https://www.northlandlocalhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Standpipe-plans-Capricorn.pdf
Leo
https://www.northlandlocalhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Standpipe-plans-Leo2.pdf
Libra
https://www.northlandlocalhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Standpipe-plans-Libro-Li.pdf
Pisces
https://www.northlandlocalhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Standpipe-plans-Pisces2.pdf
Scorpio
https://www.northlandlocalhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Standpipe-plans-Scorpio2.pdf
The Views
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I’d like to thank my anonymous friend who provided the pictures of the murals and the views.
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very cool. the tower was one of the first places we checked out at North Park. I really wish it was open, I’m sure they could actually make money, like they do at lighthouses, if they were to clean it up and open it up again.
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