It took a lot of local supporters and a 1955 Buick station wagon to save the historic El Con Water Tower from the wrecking ball in 1978. But that wasn’t the first time, nor would it be the last, that the old tower’s existence was threatened.
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1991 Star photo
The El Con Water Tower
Built in 1929, the tower, near Randolph Way and East Broadway, provided water for the long-gone El Conquistador Hotel. It has been called “the last remnant of the first organized effort to bring tourists here.”
When it was built, the 50,000 gallon tank was surrounded by steel girders. Neighbors complained about its appearance, so the stucco facade, stained glass windows and weather vane were added. The city took ownership of the tower in 1944.
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In 1975, having weathered previous attempts to tear it down, the six-story tower was threatened by the city. Clay tiles had fallen off and damaged nearby apartments. Instead of demolition, the city decided to spend about $2,000 for repairs and hoped that a buyer for the property could be found. It was used only for storage by that time.
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1978 Star photo
Workers carry off the tower weather vane.
During a storm in 1978, the bearings for the 75-pound weather vane were damaged and for safety reasons it was taken down. Neighbors began a petition drive to restore the Joesler-designed prospector and burro to their lofty perch. It was the spindle of a 1955 Buick station wagon that came to the rescue of the sculpture and the old weather vane turned once again.
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1978 Star photo
The restored miner and burro are back on top.
In 1980, the El Con Water Tower was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was designated an official city landmark in 1991.
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