History and architecture
Since 1872, a slender and graceful water tower overlooking old High Bridge and the Harlem River has been one of Manhattan's most picturesque architectural monument; This impressive Tower resembling a medieval campanile is a rugged manifestation of the early Romanesque Revival style of architecture. The lantern of this rough-cut masonry structure is nearly four hundred feet above Harlem River high water level. Once part of the Croton Water System, when it served as a booster tower to supply water pressure for the neighborhood and as far south as the Murray Hill section of Manhattan, it now contains an electronic carillon. It stands as a lone reminder of New York's first major water supply system, outstanding for its day.
High Bridge Tower, the first to be built in New York, is the only one which remains today. In 1866, the City acquired the property at High Bridge and commenced work on the reservoir and pumping station, which was part of the Croton Aqueduct system. The reservoir was completed in 1870 and the Tower in 1872. The masonry Tower was intended to support a stand-pipe and iron tank with a capacity of 47,000 gallons. In 1934 the High Bridge Reservoir was turned over to the Parks Department and converted into a swimming pool. The pumping station was permanently removed from service in the water supply system in 1949. Through the generosity of the Altman Foundation, a five-octave carillon was installed in the belfry of the High Bridge Tower as e memorial to the late Benjamin Altman, distinguished merchant, philanthropist and patron of the arts. It was dedicated May 30, 1958.
Sources and further reading
This history comes from the Landmarks app’s historical catalog. Names and building uses may reflect the period described.