The 75,000 gallon water tower, constructed in 1913, recently passed its 100th birthday. It is in beautiful condition, it lies within the boundaries of the City's Historic District and it meets the definition of a "historic structure" as defined in City Code. It is also identified as a landmark in the City's Old Town Sector Plan.
The tower, constructed of riveted steel and supporting a hemispherical tank, is quite unique, as most like it have already been lost to decay and/or demolition. In fact, it is so special and historically important that it would likely qualify for listing on state and national registers of historic places, based on its significance in the planning and development of our community and its engineering significance.
It has enhanced and protected the lives of many generations of citizens of the town and city of Manassas, providing water for our homes and businesses, and for firefighting. And even as it is no longer required to support those functions, it can continue to serve other important and useful purposes. Imagine this beautiful old structure repainted in traditional style, lighted at night, serving as a landmark and source of community pride for centuries to come.
It would be wrong to cut up the water tower and sell it for scrap metal, letting it go the way of other lost and much missed historic local landmarks, like the Portner Stone Tower, Tudor Hall, and Fort Beauregard. Please sign the petition to let Manassas City Council members know we want them to save our iconic and historic water tower!
Updates
October 9, 2013
The city officials have remained silent regarding our recent inquiries about the water tower. This lack of communication confirms the necessity of our collective persistence in preserving this historic structure.
October 9, 2013
The momentum behind this effort has grown beyond my initial expectations. It is clear that the preservation of our historic water tower resonates deeply with the community. We will use this progress to insist that the city considers the value of our shared heritage.
Reached 100 supporters
October 9, 2013
13 Comments
Why is the city so keen on a tear down of a 100 year old structure, but is always changing the way Manassas is named to try and attract people to downtown? The powers that be like to dictate what you can do with an old house (unless they own it) but a lot of old structures are gone to build more condos and apartments! We hardly rank in the historic section, maybe they should look to cities like Richmond, just drive through on interstate 95 and you can count many old style water towers. They don,t tear down history like the city of Manassas!
Please do not tear down the historic water tower in Manassas. It is a 100+ landmark for the historic town and is the only water tower that isn't covered with antenna's and wires. I just bought one of the new Van Meter townhomes in Old Town and one of the reasons I bought it was because of the view I have of the water tower. Keep historic Manassas historic!!!
I've been here since the tower was only 50 yrs. old, and now it's over 100... I've spent much of my life using it as a landmark and reference point. If we keep tearing down our historic old structures, Historic Manassas won't be "Historic" anymore.
I was born and raised in Manassas. This is part of this areas skyline. To me it wouldn't be Manassas if this was gone. I could always tell where I was just by looking for the tower. If this is a historic structure how can the city even think of taking this down. I understand they don't use this any longer but it defines the area. It would be like removing the train station.
At the age of 42 years, I have laid this one eye on that water tower for over 36 years- OVER A THIRD OF ITS EXISTENCE. Who's idea is this foolishness?!
this water tower is the "historic heart" of Manassas !
Save the Tower! It symbolizes Manassas pride in history and community.
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The 75,000 gallon water tower, constructed in 1913, recently passed its 100th birthday. It is in beautiful condition, it lies within the boundaries of the City's Historic District and it meets the definition of a "historic structure" as defined in City Code. It is also identified as a landmark in the City's Old Town Sector Plan.
The tower, constructed of riveted steel and supporting a hemispherical tank, is quite unique, as most like it have already been lost to decay and/or demolition. In fact, it is so special and historically important that it would likely qualify for listing on state and national registers of historic places, based on its significance in the planning and development of our community and its engineering significance.
It has enhanced and protected the lives of many generations of citizens of the town and city of Manassas, providing water for our homes and businesses, and for firefighting. And even as it is no longer required to support those functions, it can continue to serve other important and useful purposes. Imagine this beautiful old structure repainted in traditional style, lighted at night, serving as a landmark and source of community pride for centuries to come.
It would be wrong to cut up the water tower and sell it for scrap metal, letting it go the way of other lost and much missed historic local landmarks, like the Portner Stone Tower, Tudor Hall, and Fort Beauregard. Please sign the petition to let Manassas City Council members know we want them to save our iconic and historic water tower!
Updates
October 9, 2013
The city officials have remained silent regarding our recent inquiries about the water tower. This lack of communication confirms the necessity of our collective persistence in preserving this historic structure.
October 9, 2013
The momentum behind this effort has grown beyond my initial expectations. It is clear that the preservation of our historic water tower resonates deeply with the community. We will use this progress to insist that the city considers the value of our shared heritage.
Reached 100 supporters
October 9, 2013
13 Comments
I also love those type water towers. I have been fascinated with them since I was a little boy. Many of them are disappearing from America. Yes tell them to stop plans for its demise.
Why is the city so keen on a tear down of a 100 year old structure, but is always changing the way Manassas is named to try and attract people to downtown? The powers that be like to dictate what you can do with an old house (unless they own it) but a lot of old structures are gone to build more condos and apartments! We hardly rank in the historic section, maybe they should look to cities like Richmond, just drive through on interstate 95 and you can count many old style water towers. They don,t tear down history like the city of Manassas!
Please do not tear down the historic water tower in Manassas. It is a 100+ landmark for the historic town and is the only water tower that isn't covered with antenna's and wires. I just bought one of the new Van Meter townhomes in Old Town and one of the reasons I bought it was because of the view I have of the water tower. Keep historic Manassas historic!!!
I've been here since the tower was only 50 yrs. old, and now it's over 100... I've spent much of my life using it as a landmark and reference point. If we keep tearing down our historic old structures, Historic Manassas won't be "Historic" anymore.
I was born and raised in Manassas. This is part of this areas skyline. To me it wouldn't be Manassas if this was gone. I could always tell where I was just by looking for the tower. If this is a historic structure how can the city even think of taking this down. I understand they don't use this any longer but it defines the area. It would be like removing the train station.
At the age of 42 years, I have laid this one eye on that water tower for over 36 years- OVER A THIRD OF ITS EXISTENCE. Who's idea is this foolishness?!
this water tower is the "historic heart" of Manassas !
Save the Tower! It symbolizes Manassas pride in history and community.
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I also love those type water towers. I have been fascinated with them since I was a little boy. Many of them are disappearing from America. Yes tell them to stop plans for its demise.