9 Things to Know About The North Park Water Tower
Thanks to Rick Sebak, we have some rare pictures of the view from the top.
photo by richard cook
The North Park water tower, which offers spectacular views from its observation deck, has been off-limits to visitors since the 1970s. The rusting, silo-shaped tower that rises well above the trees shows its age. Still, Allegheny County Councilman Ed Kress and others believe the tower could have many good years left; they are seeking a public-private partnership to repaint the tower and reopen it the public.
One thing that won’t need a total overhaul: the observation deck’s stylish terrazzo floor, decorated with mosaics of zodiac symbols and metal medallions to indicate compass points. Dreamworks Productions donated $10,000 to repair the floor in 2010 so filmmakers could use it for scenes in the teen sci-fi movie “I Am Number Four.”
A few years back, WQED producer/host Rick Sebak and a videographer climbed to the top of the tower. Rick was kind enough to share his photos.
photo by rick sebak
ALLEGHENY COUNTY NORTH PARK WATER SUPPLY STANDPIPE
The water tower’s official name
101.6 feet
Height of dome
25 feet
Diameter of tank
300,000 gallons
Storage capacity
Cathedral of Learning & U.S. Steel Tower
Pittsburgh landmarks visible from the observation deck (on a clear day)
1,360.8 feet
Elevation above sea level of observation deck
154
Number of steps to reach the top
1937
Year tower was erected
$500,000
Estimated cost of restoration
