The Water Tower behind a tree

I often go the Water Tower, the only public building that survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and one of the few still standing structures that remained from that fire. I especially like to hang out in the park and sit on benches to people watch, and of course to photograph.

The park around the Water Tower was remodelled in 1999 (completed in 2000) not only to become more accessible and safe for pedestrian but also to enhance its aesthetics with new flower beds (usually white tulips during spring and then some other white-flowering plant after that), new masonry, a fountain – and especially the Parisian benches that very well serve as a respite for weary shoppers. The park was designed by Victor Skrebneski, the noted Chicago-based photographer, known for his portraits and fashion photography. Apparently he lives or lived nearby. I remember reading that he used to walk his dog(s) in the park and thus had personal interest in beautifying the site.

For me, the Water Tower Park is one of the gems of Chicago, a laid back, airy park near the upscale shops of the Magnificent Mile. An added bonus is the historic Water Tower itself which has been transformed into a photography gallery showcasing Chicago.